Out of missiles? Iran moves to legislate laws against Israel and the US

Iran's parliament is advancing a bill that would ban American and Israeli ships from passing through the Strait of Hormuz, with heavy fines for violators. The legislation could escalate tensions with Washington and Jerusalem and complicate the strategic shipping route.

Iran's parliament is advancing a new bill that would ban ships linked to the United States and Israel from passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The draft also includes restrictions on vessels from countries that Iran deems hostile, and sets a fine of up to 20 percent of the cargo's value for any ship that violates the provisions. It is unclear how Iran would identify the true ownership of ships registered under foreign flags or operated through international companies. The move is part of Tehran's efforts to enshrine in legislation its control over maritime traffic in the strait, following recent months in which Iranian officials have stated that ships linked to Israel would not be allowed to pass. Previous proposals included collecting fees from foreign ships and imposing restrictions on vessels that, according to Iran, threaten its security. The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic and sensitive shipping route, and any attempt to enforce a permanent ban could escalate the confrontation with Washington and Jerusalem and provoke a response from countries that depend on the route for transporting oil and gas from the Persian Gulf.