Iranian Parliament Concludes Study of Strategic Hormuz Security Project

The Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee has concluded its study of the "Strategic Action for Securing the Sustainable Security and Development of the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf" project, following the approval of its remaining articles. Hassan Qashqavi, the committee's spokesperson, told reporters after the committee meeting held today, Sunday, that members continued discussing the project during the session and voted on Article 16. Qashqavi clarified that the approved article stipulates that the legal system governing the area within the Strait of Hormuz will be subject, from the date the law comes into effect, to the provisions of this new law. He added that Article 16 mandates the annulment of all conflicting provisions, laws, and regulations related to the Strait of Hormuz. Thus, this law, if finally approved, will become the legal basis governing the vital maritime region. Qashqavi affirmed that the approval of Article 16 marks the end of the study of the "Strategic Action for Securing the Sustainable Security and Development of the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf" project within the Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee. It is noted that parliamentary bills and government drafts, after being approved by specialized committees, are referred to the General Assembly of the Shura Council for voting. These projects only become enforceable laws after approval by the Guardian Council. In a related context, Iranian armed forces dealt with vessels intending to cross through unauthorized routes in the Strait of Hormuz over the past two nights. Information indicated that seven non-compliant vessels were targeted last night, while 12 other vessels were dealt with the night before. No independent reports from other sources have yet been issued regarding the targeting of these vessels, but some local residents reported hearing explosions at sea near the Strait of Hormuz over the past two nights. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard had announced in a statement published hours earlier that "the Strait of Hormuz is closed," adding that it "deals firmly and continuously with dangerous movements and crossings through unauthorized routes in the Strait of Hormuz." These developments come amidst ongoing tension regarding navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which is considered one of the world's most vital maritime passages for oil and energy transport.