Iran Parliament Advances Strait Of Hormuz Control Plan; Proposes Toll Mechanism

Iran’s parliament has initiated the process to approve a plan focused on exercising structured management over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.

According to Abbas Goudarzi, spokesperson for the parliament’s presiding board, the proposal was added to the legislative agenda after receiving support from more than 250 members in the 290-seat house.

The plan seeks to strengthen maritime security and introduce toll collection from vessels in Iran’s local currency, the rial.

Senior legislator Alireza Salimi outlined that the double-urgency proposal focuses on four primary goals: ensuring the safety of shipping routes, imposing charges on environmental polluters, collecting fees for navigation guidance services, and establishing a regional development fund.

The move comes amid Iran’s tighter control over the Strait of Hormuz, where, since late last month, authorities have restricted passage for vessels linked to Israel, the United States, and their allies.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi held discussions with his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot regarding the implications of recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran and escalating tensions in the region.

Araghchi criticised certain European nations for focusing primarily on the economic consequences of the conflict while overlooking attacks on Iranian citizens. He also indicated that Iran would continue defensive operations, including strikes targeting US and Israeli military assets in the region, and warned that further provocations in the Strait of Hormuz could intensify the situation.

Barrot reiterated France’s stance against attacks on civilians and called for renewed diplomatic efforts to restore stability across West Asia, while expressing concern over broader regional tensions, including in Lebanon.

Recent Escalation and Aftermath

On February 28, joint strikes by Israel and the United States targeted Tehran and other Iranian cities, resulting in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military officials and civilians.

Iran subsequently responded with missile and drone attacks on Israeli and US-linked targets in the Middle East.

Also Read: Two Indian-Bound Oil Vessels Move Through Strait Of Hormuz Despite Tensions