The Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route for global energy supplies, has become an arena of open confrontation between Iran on one side and the United States and Israel on the other. Tensions have sharply escalated amid reports that Washington and Tel Aviv have completed preparations for a possible military operation in the region. At the same time, Iran is taking steps to establish new legal and financial control over international shipping in the strategic strait, increasing the risk of direct confrontation.
The Iranian side has stepped up legislative initiatives to strengthen its sovereignty over the strait. A parliamentary committee approved plans to reinforce Iran’s “sovereign role,” which include a ban on the passage of vessels flying American and Israeli flags, as well as ships from countries that impose sanctions on Tehran. In addition, measures are being discussed to charge transit fees in Iranian rials, which could fundamentally change traditional shipping rules. Iranian authorities say they exercise strict control and that no vessel transits the strait without prior coordination and document checks.
The United States firmly rejects Iran’s claims. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Washington will not recognize Iranian sovereignty over the strait and will not pay compensation, calling such demands a “dangerous precedent.” He emphasized that the strait “will be opened one way or another,” indicating that options include either Iran’s voluntary compliance with international law or the formation of an international coalition led by the United States to ensure freedom of navigation, which is critical for global energy markets.
Israel publicly supports military solutions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that “there are military options for reopening the Strait of Hormuz under U.S. leadership,” though he declined to elaborate. However, according to reports, there are disagreements within the U.S. leadership. It has been reported that former President Donald Trump signaled to his aides that he was prepared to end a campaign against Iran even if the strait remained closed, reflecting differing approaches to the crisis.
A partial paralysis of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil exports pass, is already having a tangible impact on the global economy. Sharp increases in fuel prices and disruptions to supply chains are intensifying pressure on the international community to find an urgent solution. The situation poses serious risks to the stability of global energy markets and regional security, requiring coordinated diplomatic efforts to de-escalate.
Commentary on the news
- On what historical and legal basis does Iran claim sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz? - Iran bases its claims on principles of international maritime law, in particular provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which recognize the rights of coastal states over their territorial waters. Historically, Iran controls the northern part of the strait, where its territorial waters extend 12 nautical miles from the coast. Tehran also points to long-standing historical control over this strategic waterway, which is of vital importance to national security.
- What is the current role and influence of parliamentary committees, such as the one mentioned, in shaping Iran’s foreign policy? - Parliamentary committees (Majlis) in Iran, such as the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, primarily perform advisory and analytical functions. They hold hearings, prepare reports and recommendations. However, final decisions on key foreign policy and security issues are not made by parliament but by the Supreme National Security Council, with ultimate approval by Iran’s Supreme Leader. Thus, the influence of the committees is limited to discussion and formulation of positions.
- How could closure of the strait or conflict there affect Iran’s domestic economy, which also depends on exporting oil via the same route? - Closure of the Strait of Hormuz would deal a severe blow to Iran’s economy, since about 80–90% of the country’s oil and petroleum product exports pass through the strait. That would result in an immediate loss of major export revenues. However, Iran views such a possibility as an extreme asymmetric measure, expecting that the global consequences (a sharp rise in oil prices and supply disruptions for major consumers) would be more damaging to the world economy and thus serve as leverage. Domestically, this could worsen inflation and shortages, but authorities would likely try to mitigate the impact using accumulated reserves and alternative, though limited, routes.
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