Iran’s parliament reviews plan to restrict U.S. and Israeli-linked ships from Strait of Hormuz and impose a toll on others

Iranian lawmakers are reviewing a plan that would restrict maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz by banning ships linked to the United States, Israel and other Tehran-designated “hostile countries,” and by charging a toll for other vessels, according to NPR. The proposal is under parliamentary consideration, with details aimed at tightening Iran’s control over one of the world’s most strategically important shipping chokepoints.

NPR reported that the plan is being examined by Iran’s parliament as part of a broader effort to respond to external pressure. Under the draft concept described by the outlet, the restrictions would target transits by ships associated with countries Iran disputes, while creating a separate fee regime for other traffic moving through the strait.

The proposal comes against a backdrop of persistent tension over Iran’s regional posture and maritime security in the Persian Gulf. Because the Strait of Hormuz is a key corridor for oil and other commercial shipping, changes to access rules can affect shipping schedules, insurance and the cost of energy transport even before any formal enforcement begins.

NPR said the Trump administration has rejected the plan. The outlet described the U.S. opposition as part of a broader stance against Iranian measures that would limit or politicize navigation for international commerce. The specific U.S. reasoning and the legal basis cited in response were described at a high level in NPR’s report.

If approved and implemented, the legislation could raise immediate questions for shipping operators and flag states about compliance, documentation, and the definition of “linked” to the named countries. It could also intensify diplomatic pressure between Iran and multiple governments whose commercial interests rely on uninterrupted passage through the strait.

Iran’s parliament reviewing the measure also means the proposal is not yet final, and its timing and scope may change as lawmakers refine the draft. NPR’s reporting indicates the process is at the legislative review stage, rather than final enactment, leaving open how enforcement mechanisms would work and when any restrictions and fees would begin.

In the near term, the key practical uncertainty is whether the plan remains limited to legislative indicating or becomes enforceable policy with operational steps for maritime authorities. For the region’s energy and logistics flows, even a delay in formal implementation can still affect negotiations with insurers and shipping managers planning routes through the Strait of Hormuz.