Iran’s Islamic Consultative Assembly held its first public session at the Baharestan building after being closed for several months. It was also the first session since the start of the “40-Day War.” At the same time, lawmakers officially placed the “Strategic Action Plan for Securing the Strait of Hormuz” on the parliamentary agenda.
According to Iran’s official parliamentary news agency, ICANA, more than 250 lawmakers attended the session, which was chaired by Deputy Speaker Hamidreza Haji-Babai. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, who also leads Iran’s negotiations with the United States, did not attend.
Before the session began, lawmakers gathered at a memorial inside parliament to honor those who died during the 40-Day War. The display included photographs of military commanders, political leaders and several children who were killed in the conflict. A portrait of Mojtaba Khamenei, the new supreme leader of the Islamic Republic, was also displayed inside the main parliamentary chamber.
During the session, lawmakers chanted slogans calling for revenge against those responsible for the deaths of the former supreme leader and other officials killed in the war. They also approved a resolution allowing parliament to hold virtual meetings or meet outside the Baharestan building during emergencies.
At the same time, Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, announced that parliament had officially received the “Strategic Action Plan for Securing and Sustainably Developing the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf.” In a post on X, Azizi said the bill was introduced while American drones were being destroyed. He said parliament would firmly protect its red lines, especially regarding the Strait of Hormuz, and described the bill as only the first step. He warned that future actions would leave Iran’s enemies unable to sleep.
Azizi’s comments were consistent with recent statements by other Iranian officials about control of the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded to comments by U.S. President Donald Trump about charging ships that pass through the strait. Araghchi said any country that ensures safe passage for ships has the right to collect fees. He also said Iran has always protected the Strait of Hormuz and will continue to do so.
Public parliamentary sessions had been suspended since the beginning of the 40-Day War and the escalation of military exchanges involving Iran, the United States and Israel. During that period, major security and military decisions were made outside the normal parliamentary process. This drew criticism from hard-line lawmakers who opposed negotiations and wanted the war to continue.
At the same time, Iran sharply increased tensions in the Strait of Hormuz by declaring the waterway closed and launching attacks on commercial ships and oil tankers. These actions led to widespread regional criticism and prompted the United States to strengthen its military presence in the Persian Gulf. The introduction of the new maritime security bill shows that control of the Strait of Hormuz has become one of parliament’s top priorities.
The developments described in the report point to major political changes inside Iran following the 40-Day War. The display of Mojtaba Khamenei’s portrait as the new supreme leader indicates that the country’s leadership has changed following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who is referred to as the former leader killed during the conflict. The absence of Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf also highlights divisions within the leadership, as he continues diplomatic talks with Washington while hard-line lawmakers push for military retaliation.
The parliamentary focus on the Strait of Hormuz carries major global significance because it is one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, through which about one-fifth of global oil consumption passes. Iran’s claim that it has the right to charge fees or limit the movement of ships challenges the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS, and the principle of transit passage through international straits. By turning these policies into legislation, the Iranian parliament is seeking to strengthen its influence over global energy supplies following its direct military conflict with Israel and the United States.
