Iran tightens Hormuz rules, threatens 20% fine for violating ships

TEHRAN: Iran has announced tougher measures for commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz without complying with its rules, including a penalty equivalent to 20 per cent of the value of their cargo.

The move comes as maritime traffic through the strategic waterway has fallen sharply amid continuing tensions in the Middle East, raising fresh concerns over the movement of oil, gas and other commodities through one of the world’s most important shipping routes.

According to Iranian media, Hassan Qashqavi, spokesman for the Iranian parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said lawmakers had approved provisions of a proposed law governing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Under the proposed measures, vessels that violate Iran’s requirements could face the financial penalty and may also be temporarily detained. The ships could remain in custody until the imposed fine has been paid.

The legislation is part of a broader effort by Iran’s parliament to establish a regulatory framework for maritime activity in the strategically important waterway.

Iran’s announcement comes as the number of commercial vessels crossing Hormuz has dropped to unusually low levels.

Reuters reported that only two commodity vessels crossed the Strait on Monday, compared with a pre-conflict average of around 125 large commercial vessels a day. The vessels included a Panama-flagged Supramax and a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier.

Earlier Reuters shipping data also showed that only 12 commodity vessels crossed the waterway over a weekend, down from 35 the previous weekend. The sharp decline has been linked to continuing regional tensions and security concerns.

However, shipping data may not capture every vessel because some tankers have reportedly switched off their automatic identification system transponders while operating in the region.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is a critical route for global energy supplies. Before the current conflict, roughly 125 large commercial vessels passed through the waterway each day, including oil tankers, gas carriers, bulk carriers and container ships.

The latest Iranian measures therefore come at a sensitive time for international shipping and energy markets.

Iran has also indicated that the waterway could potentially be reopened more fully if US military pressure is reduced and a blockade on Iranian ports is lifted, according to a senior Iranian official cited by Reuters.

With vessel traffic already at historically low levels, the proposed penalties and detention powers could add another layer of uncertainty for shipping companies operating through Hormuz. The developments are being closely watched because prolonged disruption in the waterway could affect energy transportation and international trade well beyond the Gulf.