Now Reading: Iran considers ban on US, Israeli vessels in Strait of Hormuz
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Iran considers ban on US, Israeli vessels in Strait of Hormuz
Tehran is examining a draft law that would bar US, Israeli and other 'hostile' vessels from the Strait of Hormuz, Mathrubhumi reports. The bill, still under review, also proposes fines of up…
The Story in Brief
Tehran is examining a draft law that would bar US, Israeli and other 'hostile' vessels from the Strait of Hormuz, Mathrubhumi reports. The bill, still under review, also proposes fines of up to 20% of cargo value. The move comes as explosions were reported near Iran's Qeshm Island, and as Iran and Oman continue talks on a temporary shipping arrangement.
NDTV, citing a US official, says a deal to reopen the waterway could come soon. But traffic through the strait has already fallen sharply: just 33 vessels crossed from Monday to Thursday, down from 50 the previous week and 130-140 before the conflict. The US opposes any arrangement giving Iran control over access.
The Indian Opinion
The narrative of an imminent deal versus Iranian obstruction misses the point. Both sides are playing a double game: Iran negotiates access while its parliament considers restrictions, and the US expects progress while opposing Iranian control. The real test will be whether the draft bill becomes law, or gets quietly shelved if a shipping deal materialises. Meanwhile, the drop in vessel traffic shows that uncertainty, not just law, is already choking the waterway.
Sources (2): english.mathrubhumi.com, ndtv.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
