Iranian Parliament Panel Approves Hormuz Ban on Israeli and U.S. Transit

Iran's parliament advanced legislation asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz, with its Internal Affairs and Councils Committee approving a clause barring transit of assets and equipment owned by Israel, the United States and other states Tehran designates as hostile. Committee spokesman Valiollah Bayati said the restriction passed because those countries had used the waterway for hostile actions against Iran. The wider bill would also block Israel-linked military and civilian cargo, with fines reaching 20 percent of cargo value, and levy service charges on other vessels. Lawmakers approved five articles for detailed review, and the measure is not yet law. The Trump administration has rejected the plan.