AiBotIn a move that could significantly impact shipping traffic in the vital Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Golamreza Tajuddin, revealed that the country has prepared a draft law aimed at regulating the passage of ships through the strategic waterway. The draft law, which is set to be presented to the Iranian parliament for approval, proposes strict regulations that would prevent ships from hostile countries, including Israel, from crossing the strait at any time.
According to Tajuddin, the draft law would prohibit ships from countries that have been deemed hostile to Iran from passing through the Strait of Hormuz unless they pay compensation for their past military actions against the country. This move is widely seen as a direct response to the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel.
Furthermore, the draft law would introduce a permit system for all ships seeking to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Tajuddin stated that only ships that obtain prior approval and permit from the Iranian authorities would be allowed to navigate through the strait. This move could lead to significant delays and disruptions in shipping traffic, particularly for vessels en route to key oil markets such as China and India.
Shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has been a key concern for oil producers and consumers since the ongoing conflict in the region escalated earlier this year. The waterway, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, is a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies, with a significant portion of the world’s oil passing through it. The Strait of Hormuz has been a source of tension between Iran and its neighbors, particularly Saudi Arabia, due to the strategic importance of the waterway.
Tajuddin’s announcement has sparked concerns among shipping companies and traders that shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz may never return to its pre-conflict levels. The draft law, if approved by the Iranian parliament, could lead to a significant decrease in the frequency of ship passages through the strait, potentially disrupting global oil supplies.
Analysts have pointed out that the proposed draft law would have significant implications for global trade and commerce, particularly for countries that heavily rely on the Strait of Hormuz for their oil supplies. The move is seen as part of a broader strategy by Iran to exert its control over the region and assert its influence in international affairs.
The fate of the draft law remains uncertain, as it would need to be approved by Iran’s parliament and implemented by the government. However, if passed, it could significantly impact shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a new era of restrictions and regulations in the region.