Iran is preparing a bill to give the Islamic Republic authority over the Strait of Hormuz, allowing it to establish a right of passage and prohibit access to “hostile ships.” (Context: The proposed legislation would grant Iranian forces control over the vital waterway for oil and gas exports in the Middle East.)
The Iranian military should have authority over the Strait of Hormuz as outlined in a draft bill, a senior official stated on Monday, April 27. (Fact Check: The bill proposes placing the main oil and gas export route under the control of Iranian armed forces and requiring passage fees to be paid in the local currency, the rial.)
Ebrahim Azizi, president of the Parliament’s National Security Committee tasked with reviewing the bill, reported that Iranian armed forces would control the strait and could prevent the passage of “hostile ships.” Israeli vessels, for example, would be banned from transiting through the waterway. (Fact Check: The bill aims to give Iran more control over maritime activities in the region.)
The Strait of Hormuz control issue has been a recurring point of contention in peace negotiations with the United States, who continue their blockade in response to mining and filtering imposed by Iran. (Context: The strait is a strategic chokepoint for global oil tankers, making it a key area for international disputes.)
“The freedom of navigation is not negotiable,” declared Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi upon arriving in Russia to meet with President Vladimir Putin on Monday. (Fact Check: Iran insists that the security of passage through the strait is a crucial global matter.)
The United States has no intention of lifting their blockade, asserting their strength to enforce negotiations with Iran. (Context: Tensions remain high between the U.S. and Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz.)
Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), emphasized in a press conference that “freedom of navigation is non-negotiable,” adding that no country has the right to obstruct traffic in a strait. (Fact Check: The IMO, a UN agency, advocates for the safe and secure movement of ships worldwide.)
