Iran could bar US, Israeli-linked ships from Strait of Hormuz

Iran's parliament is considering legislation that would prohibit vessels linked to the United States, Israel and other countries deemed hostile by Tehran from transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to Alireza Salimi, a member of the Presidium of the Iranian Parliament (Majlis).

Salimi said the proposed legislation, titled "On Strategic Measures to Ensure the Security and Sustainable Development of the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf," is currently under review by the parliament's National Security Committee, Tasnim news agency reports.

Under the draft bill, ships belonging to the United States, Israel and other states designated as hostile would be barred from passing through the strategically important waterway.

According to Salimi, countries that have caused damage to Iran would not be permitted to use the Strait of Hormuz or the Persian Gulf until Tehran determines that the damage has been fully compensated.

The proposal comes after Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Iran and Oman had agreed on the geographical coordinates of a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.

Baghaei stressed, however, that the agreement between Tehran and Muscat does not mean the strait will be reopened immediately, adding that any decision on resuming transit would depend on the actions of the United States.

By Sabina Mammadli