Iran Plans Tighter Control Over Strait of Hormuz with New Security Bill

Tehran, April 2026: Iran is moving towards tightening its control over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, with a senior lawmaker stating that the country’s armed forces will be given primary authority to oversee security and enforcement in the region under a proposed parliamentary plan.

Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said the draft legislation—titled the “Strategic Action Plan to Ensure Security and Progress in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf”—lays out a comprehensive framework to regulate maritime activity and safeguard Iran’s interests in the waterway. Speaking to state-run IRIB TV, Azizi explained that the plan consists of around 11 articles and is expected to be tabled for voting in the parliament soon.

A key provision of the proposal is to assign operational responsibility for decision-making and enforcement in the Strait of Hormuz to the general staff of Iran’s armed forces. This move aims to centralize authority and enable swift responses to perceived threats in one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.

The draft plan also seeks to impose restrictions on vessels deemed hostile to Iran. According to Azizi, ships linked to countries or entities that have taken adversarial actions against Iran in the past—including imposing sanctions, blocking assets, or causing economic damage—could face limitations while transiting the strait. He added that such nations may also be required to compensate Iran for losses incurred over the years.

Another notable feature of the proposal is its emphasis on financial sovereignty. Azizi said that revenues generated from the use of the strait—such as transit fees—should be denominated in Iran’s national currency, the rial. This provision appears aimed at reducing dependence on foreign currencies and strengthening Iran’s economic position amid ongoing geopolitical pressures.

Highlighting the current situation, Azizi asserted that Iran’s armed forces are already maintaining “full and intelligent control” over the Strait of Hormuz, acting under directives from the country’s top leadership. He noted that the draft legislation has been shaped in line with guidance from Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has called for a new approach to managing the waterway.

In separate comments, fellow committee member Alaeddin Boroujerdi indicated that the bill is likely to be passed promptly once the Iranian parliament reconvenes. Following its approval, the legislation will be forwarded to the government for implementation.

Boroujerdi also revealed that the Central Bank of Iran has established four special accounts in different currencies—the rial, yuan, US dollar, and euro—to handle payments collected from ships passing through the strait. These funds, he said, would be deposited by the naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in accordance with official directives.

The proposed plan signals Iran’s intent to assert greater control over a crucial global shipping lane, a move that could have significant implications for international trade and regional security dynamics.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)