Iran weighs Hormuz plan banning Israeli and US ships, imposing cargo fines

Iran's parliamentary National Security Committee is examining a preliminary proposal for managing the Strait of Hormuz that would prevent Israeli and American vessels from transiting the waterway, according to reporting by Iran's Tasnim news agency.

The proposal would also block passage of Israeli-linked military and civilian cargo, demand compensation from countries deemed to have harmed Iran, and impose fines on vessels violating the restrictions. Ali Salimi, a member of the parliament's leadership, confirmed the committee was reviewing the plan's initial language.

The proposal contains six central provisions: barring vessels from the United States, Israel and other hostile nations; prohibiting Israeli-linked military or civilian cargo; denying passage to ships involved in operations against the Iran-led "axis of resistance"; requiring compensation from countries and entities deemed to have caused damage to Iran before granting passage rights; imposing fines up to 20% of cargo value for violations; and assigning Iran responsibility for navigation, traffic oversight and maritime security in cooperation with its armed forces.

The plan remains unfinalized, and questions persist about enforcement mechanisms, how hostile states would be defined, and whether such measures could be incorporated into negotiations with Oman.

Separately, Iran's Fars news agency reported that Tehran and Muscat were negotiating a phased maritime arrangement. Under the framework, vessels would initially use northern and southern corridors before transitioning to a central corridor managed by Iran for inbound traffic and jointly by Iran and Oman for outbound traffic. A source familiar with the discussions stated that "fees established for vessels passing through the strait will take the form of different service charges," Citing insurance, refueling and environmental fees as examples.

A draft arrangement prepared by Iran and Oman could allow the strait to reopen, though final approval from Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei remains required, according to reporting by the Associated Press. A Gulf official said concessions regarding some degree of Iranian control had already been made, though other details require completion.