Iran's parliament committee approves bill to regulate Strait of Hormuz traffic

TEHRAN, Iran — TEHRAN — Iran's parliamentary National Security Commission has approved a draft law to regulate vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the country's state broadcaster reported. The bill would bar ships belonging to countries deemed hostile, including the United States and Israel, from transiting the strait, and would also prohibit the carriage of any Israeli military or civilian cargo through the waterway. Violations would be punishable by fines of up to 20 percent of the value of the cargo carried, according to the draft. The legislation also grants the Iranian government authority to manage maritime traffic in the strait and the Persian Gulf, inspect vessels and maintain security, with those tasks to be carried out in coordination with the armed forces. The bill must still complete the broader parliamentary legislative process before it can become law. No further details on the timetable for the remaining votes were immediately available.