The Iranian Parliament's Committee on National Security and Foreign Policy has announced the completion of a draft law aimed at securing and guaranteeing sustainable progress in the Hormuz Strait and the Gulf. The committee finalized the draft law in a meeting on Sunday, September 27, 2026. The law, dubbed the "Strategic Plan to Secure and Guarantee Sustainable Progress in the Hormuz Strait and the Gulf," has been under review for some time.
According to Hassan Qashqavi, spokesperson for the Committee on National Security and Foreign Policy, the committee approved the 16th article of the draft law, which stipulates that the governing system in the Hormuz Strait will be exclusively subject to the provisions of this law once it comes into effect. This move is seen as a significant step towards establishing a clear legal framework for the region.
The approved article also stipulates that all conflicting laws, regulations, and rules related to the Hormuz Strait will be abolished, making the new law the primary legal basis for the governing system in the strait. Qashqavi emphasized that the approval of this article marks the completion of the committee's review of the draft law.
The draft law includes provisions for imposing penalties on ships that fail to comply with specified regulations for crossing the Hormuz Strait. These penalties include temporary detention of the ship and fines amounting to 20% of the ship's cargo or value. The law also provides for the establishment of specialized courts to handle these cases, with the participation of judges and experts in maritime law and international law of the seas.
The Hormuz Strait is a critical waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, with a significant portion of the world's oil exports passing through it. The strait has been a point of contention between Iran and other countries, particularly in recent years. The new law is expected to have far-reaching implications for the region.
The Iranian Parliament's move to draft a law on the Hormuz Strait comes amid heightened tensions in the region. Iran has been at odds with several countries, including the United States, over issues related to maritime security and oil exports. The new law is seen as a bid by Iran to assert its authority and control over the strategic waterway.
The completion of the draft law is a significant development in Iran's efforts to secure its interests in the Hormuz Strait. The law is expected to be put to a vote in the Iranian Parliament in the coming weeks. Its implementation could have significant implications for maritime security and trade in the region.
Key points
- The Iranian Parliament's Committee on National Security and Foreign Policy completes drafting a law to secure and guarantee sustainable progress in the Hormuz Strait and the Gulf.
- The law includes provisions for imposing penalties on non-compliant ships and establishing specialized courts to handle related cases.
- The Hormuz Strait is a critical waterway for global oil exports, with a significant portion of the world's oil passing through it.