Senior Iranian MP warns Bahrain not to risk closure of Hormuz Strait 'forever'

A senior Iranian lawmaker has warned Bahrain and other governments not to risk the closure of the Strait of Hormuz “forever” by supporting a US-led UN resolution against Iran.

In a post on his X account on Saturday, Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said regional governments siding with the United States would face “severe consequences.”

“We warn governments, including microstates like Bahrain, that siding with the US-backed resolution will bring severe consequences,” he wrote.

“The Strait of Hormuz is a vital lifeline; do not risk closing it on yourselves FOREVER,” he said.

The resolution has been drafted by the US and Bahrain.  An earlier version of the resolution was vetoed by China and Russia last month.

Azizi’s post comes amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor through which a significant share of the world’s energy trade passes.

Iran shut down the strait to its enemies and their allies since the early days of the US-Israeli aggression that began in late February. Iranian authorities began enforcing much stricter controls last month following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a blockade targeting Iranian vessels and ports.

Tehran says the measures violate the terms of a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire that took effect on April 8, which was later extended unilaterally by Washington.

Despite the blockade, shipping activity linked to Iranian crude appears to be continuing.

Iran Parliament’s bill to set up Strait of Hormuz's legal regime ready: Azizi

Azizi said Friday that a parliamentary bill creating a new legal regime for the Strait of Hormuz is ready and will be passed as a "deterrent and permanent" law immediately after the legislature reconvenes.

He added that the bill has been debated in a series of meetings with the country's relevant authorities, including the Foreign Ministry and Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization.

“The bill will be presented and approved in an open session once the Parliament begins its work, and will turn into a deterrent and permanent law,” the senior lawmaker explained.

He emphasized that the US measures are doomed to fail and reiterated the Islamic Republic’s steadfastness and wisdom in preserving national interests and security.

Deputy Speaker Ali Nikzad said last week that according to the draft law, ships belonging to the Israeli regime would not be allowed under any circumstances to pass through the Strait. He emphasized that no permission would also be granted to hostile countries, the United States in particular, to pass through the waterway.

New law will set conditions for transit through Strait of Hormuz: Deputy speaker

The deputy Parliament speaker says the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz will be based on a new law which will be approved by the legislative body.

“Other ships must comply with the law to be approved by Parliament to pass through the Strait of Hormuz,” he explained.

The top parliamentarian further said that tolls will be charged for services such as safety, maritime guidance, and environmental protection in the Strait of Hormuz, and the revenues would be allocated to the improvement of Iran’s defensive power, public livelihoods, and reconstruction and completion of the country’s infrastructure.

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