Iran says Strait of Hormuz to shift to single central lane after transitional period

Under a new transit framework agreed upon by Iran and Oman, vessels will use separate northern and southern lanes through the Strait of Hormuz for an initial period before all traffic consolidates into a single central lane, Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency reported Thursday (local time).

According to an Iranian Foreign Ministry source, the agreement calls for ships to enter the strait via the northern lane, which runs along the Iranian coast, and exit through the southern lane, near the Omani coast, during the transitional period. Once that period ends, both the northern and southern lanes will close entirely and all vessels will be required to use only the central lane.

Fars News Agency said Iran will manage inbound vessels unilaterally, while outbound traffic will be jointly overseen by Iran and Oman.

Transit fees for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz will be set as part of the cost of services provided, including navigational support.

The Foreign Ministry source dismissed reports that Iran and Oman had disagreed over whether to charge a toll of 7 percent or 3 percent of a ship's cargo value. "The transit fee will be determined based on multiple factors, including the level of services Iran provides," the source said.

Fars News Agency also reported that the national security committee of Iran's parliament, the Majlis, is reviewing a draft bill titled "Strategic Measures to Ensure Security and Sustainable Development in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf."

The draft, made public by lawmaker Alireza Salimi of the parliamentary leadership, includes a blanket ban on vessels belonging to hostile states — including the United States and Israel — from transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Any cargo linked to Israel, whether military or civilian, would be barred from passing through the region. Vessels and cargo associated with activities deemed contrary to the so-called "Axis of Resistance" would also be prohibited.

The draft further stipulates that countries and individuals who have caused harm to Iran would be denied transit permits through the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf until they provide compensation. Violations would carry fines of up to 20 percent of the cargo's value.

Under the bill, the Iranian government would be required to work with the military to carry out duties including navigational guidance, vessel traffic monitoring, and the protection of security and the environment in the Persian Gulf.

The draft is currently under expert review, and parliament has asked specialists to submit their opinions to help refine the legislation, Fars News Agency said.