Iran's parliament has approved a provision to charge vessels from authorized countries for transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could strengthen Tehran's control over the strategic waterway. This comes as the United States prepares to intensify economic pressure on Iran, with the Pentagon reporting 774 US casualties in the conflict. Iran's newly appointed Supreme National Security Council secretary, Mohsen Rezaei, warned Gulf countries against supporting Washington's economic campaign, threatening to prevent oil from leaving the Persian Gulf if they do. The developments have escalated tensions in the region, with shipping through the Strait already severely disrupted.
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