A senior Iranian lawmaker issued a sharp warning to regional neighbors regarding a new US-backed resolution. Ebrahim Azizi leads the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee within the Iranian Parliament. He cautioned that supporting Western diplomatic pressure could lead to the permanent closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway remains a critical artery for global energy markets and international trade. The proposed Hormuz maritime law seeks to formalize strict control over this essential maritime corridor.
The dispute stems from a draft resolution recently introduced by the United States and Bahrain. Russia and China previously blocked a similar measure using their veto power last month. Azizi specifically addressed smaller regional states and warned of severe consequences for siding with Washington. He described the strait as a vital lifeline that must not be risked through hostile policy choices. This rhetoric follows a period of intense military activity that began earlier this year in late February.
Tensions escalated further after the White House announced a blockade against Iranian vessels and ports. Tehran argues this move breaks a ceasefire agreement brokered by Pakistan on April 8. Washington recently extended its restrictions unilaterally despite the standing regional truce. Iranian authorities have since increased their enforcement of transit rules within the narrow waterway. They maintain that these actions protect national interestsagainst foreign economic aggression and maritime interference.
Azizi confirmed that a new Hormuz maritime law is ready for a formal legislative vote. The Parliament plans to pass this bill as a permanent deterrent once sessions resume. Several government bodies assisted in drafting the text, including the Foreign Ministry. Officials from the Ports and Maritime Organization also provided technical guidance for the new framework. This legislation establishes clear rules for every vessel attempting to cross the strategic passage.
The draft law specifically targets ships belonging to hostile nations for total exclusion. Deputy Speaker Ali Nikzad clarified that vessels from specific adversaries will not receive passage rights. Other international ships must demonstrate full compliance with the new regulations to gain entry. The bill also introduces mandatory tolls for all authorized commercial traffic using the strait. These fees will cover maritime guidance, environmental protection, and safety services provided by local authorities.
Revenue from these new transit fees will support domestic infrastructure and defensive capabilities. The government intends to allocate funds toward public livelihoods and the reconstruction of industrial plants. Despite the ongoing blockade, observers note that energy exports continue to flow from the region. The formalization of the Hormuz maritime law signals a shift toward a more rigid legal stance. This strategy reflects a broader effort to leverage geographic advantages during diplomatic standoffs.
Industry analysts worry that strict transit laws could destabilize global oil prices. The Strait of Hormuz handlesroughly twenty percent of the world’s liquid petroleum consumption daily. Any permanent change to its legal statuscreates significant uncertainty for international shipping firms. Many nations are now watching Tehran closely as the legislature prepares to finalize the bill. Future maritime stability depends heavily on how regional powers balance these competing security and economic interests.