Tehran: A strategic proposal on the 'smart management' of the Strait of Hormuz has reached its final stage in Iran's parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Commission and has been uploaded to parliament's system for review and approval, the commission's head announced.
According to Anadolu Agency, Ebrahim Azizi, the head of the commission, stated that the proposal aims to leverage Iran's geographic position in the strategic waterway as a 'power-generating leverage.' Azizi noted that the missile triad, public support, and the strategic location of the Strait of Hormuz played crucial roles in countering US efforts over the past five decades.
Azizi emphasized the significance of public support during recent conflicts, highlighting the impactful presence of people in streets and public squares. He reiterated that the proposal could potentially allow the Iranian government to collaborate with Oman to expand control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical issue during the recent war initiated by the United States and Israel against Iran.
During discussions with state broadcaster IRIB, Azizi clarified that the proposal would become obligatory only after gaining parliamentary approval. It could enable negotiations with Oman on a treaty related to aspects of the broader framework, although Muscat would not influence the future governance of the waterway.
The proposal seeks to place the Strait of Hormuz under the 'comprehensive and full control' of Iran's armed forces and security institutions if approved. It includes provisions to restrict vessels from countries deemed hostile to Iran, such as Israel, and military and intelligence-linked ships considered threats to Iranian national security.
Economic measures are also embedded within the proposal, including the potential use of Iran's national currency, the rial, in relevant financial transactions. The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz has been heightened since the US and Israel launched attacks against Iran on February 28, prompting Tehran's retaliation against Israel and US allies in the Gulf, followed by a temporary closure of the Strait.
A ceasefire was implemented on April 8, facilitated by Pakistani mediation, yet talks in Islamabad did not yield a lasting agreement. The truce was later extended by US President Donald Trump without a specified deadline. On Sunday, Iran responded to a US proposal for ending the conflict, which Trump labeled as 'totally unacceptable.'