Iran formalises Strait of Hormuz control as US struggles to sustain war it launched with Israel

What Happened

Iran’s parliamentary internal affairs and councils committee approved the general outline of a strategic action plan governing security and development in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf, according to committee spokesperson Valiullah Bayati. Bayati told the Tasnim news agency on Friday that the proposals would now advance for further consideration. The plan, as described by Bayati, would prevent vessels and equipment belonging to the United States, Israel, and other countries Iran designates as hostile from passing through the waterway. The report did not state whether the full parliament has scheduled a vote or published the plan’s text.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil transit, and any formal Iranian mechanism to deny passage to US and Israeli vessels would sharpen the legal and operational basis for maritime interdiction. The committee approval is an early legislative step but signals Tehran’s intent to codify control over the waterway amid US sanctions pressure and regional hostilities.

Watch For

Monitor whether the full Iranian parliament schedules a vote on the strategic action plan, publishes the plan’s text, or specifies which countries are designated hostile beyond the US and Israel. Watch for responses from Washington, Israel, and Gulf states, as well as any Iranian naval enforcement or shipping incidents in the Strait of Hormuz.