Top News

Tehran. Iran has taken a big strategic step regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian Parliament has approved the general outline of a bill to the security and sustainable development of the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf. The proposal calls for handing over the responsibility of ensuring maritime security, safety of navigation and environmental protection to the government in coordination with the armed forces.

The Iranian parliament's committee approved the general content of the bill after discussing written suggestions and responses from relevant government agencies and organizations, Vietnam News Agency's Middle East correspondent reports. Iranian state news agency IRNA also confirmed this on August 9, quoting committee spokesman Hassan Kashkavi.

Proposal to ban US and Israeli ships

The most important part of the proposed bill is to the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The initial draft proposes to impose sanctions on ships owned or flagged by the US, Israel or other countries if they are considered hostile by Iran.

Apart from this, it has also been proposed to ban the transportation of military or civilian goods to Israel through foreign ships. In case of violation of rules, a provision of imposing fine up to 20 percent of the value of the goods is proposed.

However, this has not yet become law. The National Security and Foreign Policy Committee has currently approved the general outline of the bill. It must go through several more stages of the legislative process in the Iranian Parliament before it can take effect. According to IRNA, the bill was first introduced in Parliament on July 13.

Increasing international pressure on Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important strategic sea routes. A large part of the global energy supply passes through this waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. In such a situation, any kind of restriction on the movement of ships here can have an impact on the international oil market and global trade.

This step of Iran has come at a time when there is tension between America and Tehran as well as pressure on the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump said – talks with Iran are now limited

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said on August 9 that his administration has reduced efforts to reach a deal with Iran, although the process of negotiations continues behind the scenes amid expectations of economic pressure.

In a phone interview given to 'Axios', Trump said that America is currently only partially negotiating with Iran. He described Iran's economy as being in a very difficult situation and indicated that Washington could increase economic pressure on Tehran. However, during this time he did not threaten any new military steps against Iran.

If Hormuz opens, stance on nuclear deal may change

According to the report of 'Times of Israel', the Trump administration is currently focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Quoting US officials, the report said that if the movement of ships in the strait is restored and there is no significant progress in Iran's nuclear program, then Trump may continue the current ceasefire and consider lifting the maritime blockade imposed on Tehran.

The US administration has assessed that Iran is not in a position to rapidly advance its nuclear program or develop nuclear weapons by escaping the surveillance of American intelligence agencies.

Trump has already said that any possible agreement with Iran should have such concrete arrangements so that Tehran cannot restart its nuclear program. In such a situation, this bill regarding Hormuz brought by the committee of Iranian Parliament can become an important issue for America-Iran relations in the coming days.