Iran Plans to Legislate to Strengthen Control over Strait of Hormuz, Stating Navigation Rules to be Decided by Tehran
Iran is legislating to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz, with an MP stating Tehran will decide navigation rules. This move faces strong opposition from neighboring countries and highlights geopolitical tensions.
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- 📰 Published: April 20, 2026 at 16:25
- 🔍 Collected: April 20, 2026 at 16:31 (6 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 20, 2026 at 17:05 (33 min after Collected)
Tehran, April 19 (CNA) Iranian Parliamentarian and former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps official Ebrahim Azizi stated that Iran is promoting legislation to strengthen its control over the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the navigation rules for this strategic waterway will be decided by Tehran, including permits for vessel passage.
In an interview with the BBC in Tehran, Azizi stated that Iran will not relinquish control over the Strait of Hormuz, calling it 'our inalienable right.'
He added that relevant regulations are being prepared to be established in legal form.
Azizi said, 'We are submitting a bill to Parliament based on Article 110 of the Constitution, concerning the environment, maritime security, and national security, and the armed forces will be responsible for enforcement.'
As concerns grow about the potential global economic impact if this strategic waterway were to be blockaded, this crisis is clearly not a short-term issue that can be resolved in a day.
Tehran now believes that controlling key maritime passages, including oil and natural gas transportation, is not only a bargaining chip but also a long-term strategic leverage.
Mohammad Eslami, a researcher at the University of Tehran, said, 'Iran's top priority after the war is to restore deterrence power, and the Strait of Hormuz is one of its main strategic leverages.'
He added, 'Tehran is willing to discuss how other countries can benefit from the new framework established by Iran for the strait, but control is the bottom line.'
However, this idea has already met with strong opposition from some neighboring countries. Anwar Gargash, a senior diplomatic advisor to the UAE President, criticized Iran's move as 'hostile piracy' and warned that if Iran refuses to give up control of the strait, it will set a dangerous precedent for other strategic waterways worldwide.
In response, Azizi retorted that the United States is the 'biggest pirate in the world' and accused it of establishing military bases in the Middle East.
He emphasized, 'We have always advocated for joint maintenance of regional security.'
However, most Persian Gulf countries no longer accept this vision, and in addition, signs of differing opinions have emerged within Iran's military and political leadership.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently posted on social media that the Strait of Hormuz is 'fully open,' which immediately drew criticism from hardline media, suggesting it allowed US President Trump to 'claim victory.'
Araghchi emphasized that the waterway is only open to vessels authorized by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, can only pass through designated routes, and requires passage fees.
Azizi denied internal divisions in Tehran, stating that 'when national security is involved, there is no distinction between moderate or hardline.'
He said the future of the strait will be decided by the nation's highest leadership.
When asked about Iran's domestic crackdown and death penalty issues, Azizi denied external criticism and accused US and Israeli intelligence agencies of interfering in domestic unrest.
He refuted the growing concerns of some Iranian citizens about further tightening of domestic security.
He stated, 'In wartime, even during a ceasefire, rules must be followed.' (Editor: Liu Wen-yu) 1150420
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In an interview with the BBC in Tehran, Azizi stated that Iran will not relinquish control over the Strait of Hormuz, calling it 'our inalienable right.'
He added that relevant regulations are being prepared to be established in legal form.
Azizi said, 'We are submitting a bill to Parliament based on Article 110 of the Constitution, concerning the environment, maritime security, and national security, and the armed forces will be responsible for enforcement.'
As concerns grow about the potential global economic impact if this strategic waterway were to be blockaded, this crisis is clearly not a short-term issue that can be resolved in a day.
Tehran now believes that controlling key maritime passages, including oil and natural gas transportation, is not only a bargaining chip but also a long-term strategic leverage.
Mohammad Eslami, a researcher at the University of Tehran, said, 'Iran's top priority after the war is to restore deterrence power, and the Strait of Hormuz is one of its main strategic leverages.'
He added, 'Tehran is willing to discuss how other countries can benefit from the new framework established by Iran for the strait, but control is the bottom line.'
However, this idea has already met with strong opposition from some neighboring countries. Anwar Gargash, a senior diplomatic advisor to the UAE President, criticized Iran's move as 'hostile piracy' and warned that if Iran refuses to give up control of the strait, it will set a dangerous precedent for other strategic waterways worldwide.
In response, Azizi retorted that the United States is the 'biggest pirate in the world' and accused it of establishing military bases in the Middle East.
He emphasized, 'We have always advocated for joint maintenance of regional security.'
However, most Persian Gulf countries no longer accept this vision, and in addition, signs of differing opinions have emerged within Iran's military and political leadership.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently posted on social media that the Strait of Hormuz is 'fully open,' which immediately drew criticism from hardline media, suggesting it allowed US President Trump to 'claim victory.'
Araghchi emphasized that the waterway is only open to vessels authorized by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, can only pass through designated routes, and requires passage fees.
Azizi denied internal divisions in Tehran, stating that 'when national security is involved, there is no distinction between moderate or hardline.'
He said the future of the strait will be decided by the nation's highest leadership.
When asked about Iran's domestic crackdown and death penalty issues, Azizi denied external criticism and accused US and Israeli intelligence agencies of interfering in domestic unrest.
He refuted the growing concerns of some Iranian citizens about further tightening of domestic security.
He stated, 'In wartime, even during a ceasefire, rules must be followed.' (Editor: Liu Wen-yu) 1150420
Stand with facts, your sponsorship is the power to protect news freedom.
Download CNA's 'One-Stop News' APP for the latest updates.
Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, transmitted, or used without authorization.