Iran’s parliament is preparing a bill that would impose restrictions on the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, CNN reports.
Under the provisions being discussed, vessels linked to Israel would be completely barred from passage. Ships from countries that Tehran considers “hostile” would be allowed to cross the strait only if they obtained special permission and paid compensation.
All other vessels would likewise be required to seek permission from the Iranian authorities.
The initiative is being considered against the backdrop of stalled talks between Iran and the United States, which failed to agree on the terms of a settlement. Iran’s deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi said further developments would depend on Washington’s choice between “diplomacy or confrontation”.