The Iranian authority responsible for managing the Strait of Hormuz stated that U.S.-Iran negotiations have resulted in a 60-day waiver of transit fees for the strait; effective this Friday, all vessels transiting the strait must submit a passage request to Iranian authorities at least 48 hours in advance; and all vessels passing through the strait must obtain mandatory insurance, which is currently free but may become chargeable in the future.
Following the U.S. announcement lifting its maritime blockade on Iran and the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah, the Strait of Hormuz—the focal point for global energy markets—is gradually returning to normal navigation.
On Thursday, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs explicitly denied reports suggesting the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and announced that it would temporarily waive transit fees during the 60-day negotiation period with the United States. It also introduced a new vessel transit management system requiring all transiting ships to submit applications 48 hours in advance. Meanwhile, Iranian officials signaled that insurance fees may be imposed on vessels passing through the strait in the future to strengthen control over this critical global energy chokepoint.
The U.S. military stated that more than 20 vessels have safely transited the Strait of Hormuz after being advised to follow shipping lanes along the Omani coast to avoid mined areas in the central waters. The United States emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway and that all vessels enjoy the right to safe passage, which should not be subject to any 'arbitrary demands or obstructions.'
Iran Declares Normal Transit Through Strait of Hormuz; Waives Transit Fees During 60-Day Negotiation Period
With the U.S. and Iran having reached a memorandum of understanding and entered a formal 60-day negotiation phase, concerns had previously arisen that Iran might close the Strait of Hormuz, potentially disrupting global crude oil supplies.
According to Xinhua News Agency, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baghaei posted on social media on Friday, May 19, denying certain media reports claiming the 'closure of the Strait of Hormuz.' Baghaei stated that Iran’s armed forces, in accordance with the Iran-U.S. memorandum of understanding, have taken necessary measures to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, and that navigation along this route is currently operating normally.
It was reported that Iran has decided to suspend collection of transit fees for the Strait of Hormuz during its 60-day negotiation period with the United States, as a goodwill gesture to foster a conducive environment for diplomatic talks.
The Strait of Hormuz handles approximately one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments and serves as a critical export corridor for energy from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Kuwait, and Qatar. Any disruption to navigation through the strait could rapidly drive up international oil prices.
Iran Introduces New Rule: All Vessels Must Declare Intent 48 Hours in Advance
While denying any blockade of the strait, Iran is tightening its management of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. According to new regulations issued by Iran, as of June 19, all commercial vessels and oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz must submit navigation applications and related information to Iranian authorities at least 48 hours in advance.
According to China Central Television (CCTV) News, on Friday, June 19 local time, Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) stated that, in light of the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States and directives from relevant competent authorities, it hereby notifies applicants for transit through the Strait of Hormuz that vessels submitting applications within the announced timeframe and meeting the stipulated requirements will be granted passage arrangements.
Per the transit requirements issued by the PGSA, applications for vessel transit must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to arrival in the Strait of Hormuz area.
Iranian officials stated that this measure aims to enhance navigational safety and efficiency and reduce the risk of misjudgment arising from military tensions.
Following the implementation of this new system, the Iranian government has effectively further strengthened its control over shipping activities in the Strait of Hormuz. Although Iran emphasized that it would not impede international shipping, this requirement has raised concerns among some shipping industry stakeholders regarding future freedom of navigation.
Iran is considering imposing an insurance fee as part of an effort to establish a long-term charging mechanism.
In addition to temporarily waiving transit fees, Iran is also exploring the establishment of a new fee structure. Its Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) announced that vessels are prohibited from transiting the Strait of Hormuz without its authorization and hinted at the possible imposition of an 'insurance fee,' laying the groundwork for future charging arrangements.
A document published on the PGSA’s official website states that all vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz must obtain mandatory insurance, which is currently free but may become chargeable in the future. Additionally, the authority stipulates that vessels must navigate along designated routes aligned with Iran’s coastline and are strictly prohibited from deviating from these routes.
Industry insiders believe this mechanism could become a significant tool for Iran to exert long-term influence over global energy transportation without directly restricting shipping.
Reports indicate that the insurance fee could serve as a precursor to a formal transit fee system in the future. Given that the Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran and Oman, Iran seeks to leverage its geopolitical advantage to establish a more institutionalized management framework.
However, the Iranian government has not yet announced the fee structure or implementation timeline.
U.S. military releases latest navigation update: Over 20 vessels safely transit along Omani coastal route
On Thursday, U.S. Central Command disclosed that maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is gradually resuming following the lifting of the naval blockade on Iran.
According to reports, U.S. Central Command spokesperson Tim Hawkins stated that the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) had previously advised vessels to navigate along shipping lanes closer to the Omani coast to avoid potential minefields in the central waterway.
Hawkins stated, 'More than 20 vessels safely transited through the designated corridor last night (Wednesday evening).'
He emphasized that, as an international waterway, all vessels have the right to safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and should not be subjected to any arbitrary demands, claims, or obstructions.
U.S. Central Command stated that U.S. forces will continue operating in the relevant waters to support freedom of navigation and ensure the safety of international commercial shipping.
From 'blockade threat' to 'order management': The Strait of Hormuz enters a new phase
With the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, the initiation of 60-day negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, and the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade, the Strait of Hormuz is transitioning from what was previously perceived as a focal point of war risk to a new mode of management.
On one hand, Iran is signaling de-escalation by waiving transit fees and denying any intention to close the strait; on the other hand, through a 48-hour advance notification system and potential future arrangements for insurance levies, Tehran is attempting to institutionalize its influence over this critical global energy artery.
The United States, meanwhile, continues to emphasize the principle of freedom of navigation and is working to restore normal commercial shipping through convoy operations and maritime route guidance.
For global energy markets, the greatest immediate risk is no longer a sudden closure of the Strait of Hormuz, but whether Iran will gradually establish a new system of tolls and regulations that could alter the long-standing operating norms of this globally critical energy corridor.