Iranian Parliament Approves Penalties for Strait of Hormuz Violations

The National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the Iranian Parliament approved a bill establishing strict penalties for vessels that violate transit regulations in the Strait of Hormuz. Under the proposed Strategic Action to Ensure Security and Development of the Strait of Hormuz, authorities may confiscate 20 percent of a violating vessel's cargo or its equivalent financial value and temporarily impound ships.

The legislation requires the Judiciary to create specialized maritime law court branches and mandates that any future international agreements regarding the waterway comply with the Iranian Constitution. The General Staff of the Armed Forces will oversee the execution of the law and provide quarterly reports to the commission.

This legislative move follows a period of heightened tension involving a U.S. naval blockade and Iran's subsequent operational seizure of the Strait of Hormuz under a siege for a siege doctrine. The bill now awaits a final vote by the full Parliament and approval by the Constitutional Council to become law.