500 Drones Launched From Iraq Toward Saudi Arabia — Region on Edge

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Iraq Becomes Drone War Battlefield as Iran-Backed Militias Strike Gulf States. Five Hundred drone attacks from Iraqi territory hit Saudi Arabia and beyond, raising fears of a hidden regional war spiraling out of control By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj, SULAIMANI,   Kurdish Policy Analysis , April 21--  Iraqi militia groups close to Iran have fired dozens of drones at Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries during the war; This has created a “silent” war in the midst of the Great War. According to a report in the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, half of the 1,000 drone strikes against Saudi Arabia were from within Iraqi territory. The report cited a Saudi security assessment that said the attacks targeted sensitive positions, including the Yanbu refinery on the Red Sea and oil fields in eastern Saudi Arabia. The report said the drones hit not only Saudi Arabia, but also Kuwait's only civilian airport. Even after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire earlier this...
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Iran Moves to Control the World’s Oil Lifeline and sets four new conditions

 


New Strait of Hormuz rules could block ships, impose taxes, and ignite global tensions as Iran Moves to Tighten Control Over the Strait of Hormuz

By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj, SULAIMANI,  Kurdish Policy Analysis, April 21-- Iran is preparing to significantly expand its control over the Strait of Hormuz—one of the most critical chokepoints in the global energy system—through a new legislative framework that could reshape regional and international maritime dynamics.

Mohammad Reza Rezaei Kochi, head of the Iranian parliament’s reconstruction committee, confirmed that a comprehensive bill has been drafted and is expected to be finalized soon. According to his statement to official media, the proposed legislation aims to “tighten Iran’s control” over transit through the strait.

The draft bill introduces four major conditions governing the movement of commercial vessels and oil tankers:

First, any ships or cargo linked to Israel would be completely barred from passing through the strait.

Second, vessels belonging to countries designated as “enemy states” would require explicit authorization from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council before transit.

Third, countries deemed to have caused damage to Iran would be denied access until compensation is provided.

Fourth, all vessels would be subject to transit fees, payable in Iranian currency (rial)—a move that could introduce financial and logistical complications for global shipping operators.

The bill also outlines how revenue from these transit fees would be allocated: 30 percent directed toward strengthening Iran’s military infrastructure and defense capabilities, and 70 percent earmarked for domestic economic support and public welfare.

These proposed measures represent a substantial escalation in Iran’s approach to controlling one of the world’s most vital maritime corridors. The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant share of global oil exports, making any disruption or restriction a matter of immediate international concern.

The timing is particularly sensitive. Iran previously moved to close or restrict access to the strait at the onset of its recent confrontation involving the United States and Israel earlier this year. While the current proposal stops short of a full closure, it signals a shift toward conditional access—effectively transforming the strait from an international passage into a politically regulated corridor.

If implemented, the policy could trigger far-reaching consequences. Energy markets may face volatility, shipping insurance costs could rise sharply, and tensions with regional and global powers are likely to intensify. Gulf states, Asian energy importers, and Western governments would all be directly affected by any disruption to the steady flow of oil through the strait.

More broadly, the bill reflects a strategic effort by Tehran to leverage geography as a tool of political and economic pressure. By formalizing restrictions through legislation, Iran may be seeking to institutionalize its influence over a waterway that underpins global energy security.

The coming weeks will be critical. Whether the bill is passed in its current form—and how international actors respond—could determine whether the Strait of Hormuz becomes the next major flashpoint in an already volatile regional landscape.

#Iran #StraitOfHormuz #OilCrisis #Geopolitics #MiddleEast #Energy #Breaking


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