Tehran, 03 May (H.S.): Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Iran is gearing up to enact a new law concerning the Strait of Hormuz. Hamidreza Haji-Babai, Deputy Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, has indicated that the proposed legislation could bar ships linked to Israel from transiting this vital maritime route.

He stated that the draft includes stringent provisions for vessels from enemy nations. Such ships may be required to compensate for war-related damages before passing through the strait. Additionally, vessels from other countries could be mandated to obtain prior approval from Iran.

According to Haji-Babai, regional conditions have changed post-conflict, and ship traffic in Hormuz will no longer proceed as before. He emphasized that these steps are being taken to safeguard national security and strategic interests.

If enacted, the law could significantly impact global trade, particularly oil and gas supplies. The strait, one of the world's most critical energy corridors, handles substantial volumes of crude oil transportation.

However, concerns have already been raised internationally about such unilateral actions. Several nations argue that restrictions on international waterways may contravene global maritime laws.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar