Tehran: Iran’s Parliament Security Committee gave the green light to the Strait of Hormuz Management Plan on Monday thereby paving the way for tolls on ships traversing this pivotal waterway, according to Iranian state media outlet Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).
A National Security Commission member, cited by IRIB, confirmed the plan’s formal approval. It zeroes in on critical elements like security setups for the Strait, safeguards for ship safety, environmental protections, financial mechanisms, and tolls payable in rials.
Notably, the framework outright bans American and Israeli vessels from passage. It affirms the sovereign authority of Iran and its military, while forging cooperation with Oman to build a legal structure for the Strait. IRIB further noted prohibitions on ships from countries enforcing unilateral sanctions against Iran.
These steps emerge amid a West Asia conflict between Iran and the US-Israeli coalition, now entering its second month. Tehran seeks firmer command over this essential chokepoint, which channels a major slice of the world’s oil shipments.
Senior MP Alireza Salimi, speaking on Sunday, elaborated on the double-urgency plan’s four main objectives: “ensuring shipping security, charging environmental polluters, collecting fees for guidance services, and establishing a regional development fund.”
Since late last month, Iran has enforced stringent controls over the Strait of Hormuz, blocking vessels tied to Israel, the United States, and their allies.
The escalation stems from February 28 attacks by Israel and the US on Tehran and various Iranian cities, which claimed the life of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior military commanders, and civilians. Iran hit back with volleys of missiles and drones striking Israel and US bases and assets throughout the Middle East.
