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Iran moves to legalize control of key waterway
Iranian lawmakers are advancing legislation to formalize Tehran's authority over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route, dismissing international demands for open passage as irrelevant. Ebrahim Azizi, a senior parliamentarian and former Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) commander, told the BBC the strait is an "inalienable right" Iran will never relinquish.
Legislation details
The proposed bill, grounded in Article 110 of Iran's constitution, would empower the armed forces to regulate maritime traffic under the pretext of environmental protection, safety, and national security. Azizi, who chairs the parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, confirmed the legislation is a priority for the hardline-dominated body.
"The armed forces will implement the law," he stated, framing the strait as a strategic asset Iran has "weaponized" amid ongoing regional conflict. The move follows a series of high-profile assassinations linked to Israeli strikes, which have further militarized Iran's leadership.
Global economic concerns
The strait, through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil passes, has long been a flashpoint. Tehran's insistence on control risks exacerbating economic instability, with neighboring Gulf states already condemning the policy. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, labeled Iran's stance "hostile piracy" and warned it could set a dangerous precedent for other strategic waterways.
Azizi dismissed such criticism, accusing the U.S. of hypocrisy. "They are the pirates who sold our region to the Americans," he retorted, referencing U.S. military bases in the Middle East targeted by Iranian drones and missiles.
Internal divisions and diplomatic tensions
Signs of discord within Iran's leadership emerged after Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi tweeted that the strait was "completely open," prompting a swift rebuke from IRGC-affiliated media. Mehr News Agency accused Araghchi of handing U.S. President Donald Trump a propaganda victory, while Tasnim called his statement "misleading." Araghchi later clarified that passage would require IRGC authorization and toll payments.
Azizi downplayed the rift, insisting national security transcends political factions. "There are no moderate or hardline approaches," he said.
Ceasefire talks and future leverage
High-stakes negotiations are slated to resume in Islamabad this week, with the U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance. Iran, however, has signaled it may boycott the talks unless Washington lifts its blockade of Iranian ports. Trump has publicly demanded the strait's reopening, warning Iran in an April 5 social media post that defiance would result in severe consequences.
Tehran views the strait as long-term leverage. Mohammad Eslami, a University of Tehran research fellow, described it as a tool to "restore deterrence" post-war. "Control is the bottom line," he emphasized, though Iran claims it remains open to discussing a framework for shared benefits.
Broader crackdowns and human rights
Amid the geopolitical standoff, Iran's domestic repression has intensified. Azizi defended recent executions and mass arrests following January's protests, which human rights groups say left thousands dead. He echoed the government's narrative that the CIA and Mossad orchestrated the unrest, dismissing concerns about further security crackdowns.
"In war, even in a ceasefire, there are rules."
Ebrahim Azizi, Iranian MP
The BBC's reporting from Tehran is subject to restrictions barring use on its Persian Service, a condition imposed on all international media operating in Iran.
