Tehran weighs restrictions on U.S., Israeli vessels in key waterway

Iranian lawmakers are considering legislation that would…

Iranian lawmakers are considering legislation that would bar vessels tied to Washington, Tel Aviv, and other nations deemed adversarial from passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint for global oil shipments. The proposal, now under parliamentary review, also includes a provision to impose transit fees on other foreign ships using the waterway.

The move comes as tensions between Tehran and the West remain elevated, particularly over Iran's nuclear program and its regional military activities. If enacted, the measure could significantly disrupt maritime traffic in the strait, through which roughly one-fifth of the world's petroleum passes daily. Analysts warn that such a step might provoke a sharp response from the United States and its allies.

A spokesperson for the Trump administration dismissed the plan as unrealistic and inflammatory, reiterating Washington's commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation in international waters. U.S. officials have previously threatened to use military force to keep the strait open, and the Fifth Fleet is stationed nearby in Bahrain.

Iran has long threatened to close the Strait

Iran has long threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz in times of crisis, though it has rarely followed through on such warnings. The current proposal appears to be a more calculated approach, aiming to exert pressure without triggering an immediate military confrontation. Lawmakers in Tehran argue the measure is a legitimate response to U.S. sanctions and Israeli sabotage operations targeting Iranian infrastructure.

The bill's fate remains uncertain, as it requires approval from the Guardian Council and could face pushback from more moderate factions within Iran's political establishment. Economic experts note that imposing tolls might backfire, driving up shipping costs and potentially leading to retaliatory measures against Iranian exports.

For now, global markets are watching closely, with oil prices already showing slight volatility in response to the news. Shipping companies have begun assessing alternative routes, though none offer the same efficiency as the Hormuz passage. Diplomats from several countries are urging restraint, calling for dialogue to de-escalate the standoff.