Iran Waives Strait of Hormuz Transit Fees for 60 Days Under US Deal; Demands Advance Clearance from Vessels.

Supreme National Security Council says Tehran will cover all costs as part of MoU with Washington; Commercial ships must apply to Persian Gulf Strait Authority amid mine hazards.

Tehran, June 19, 2026: Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) announced Thursday that Tehran will not charge any fees for commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days under a newly signed memorandum of understanding with the United States.

All transit costs during the two-month window will be covered by the Iranian government. 

What the MoU Says.

Fee Waiver: “No fee will be charged for 60 days for passage by ships requesting to cross the Strait of Hormuz”. The waiver covers security, safety, environmental services and related insurance.

Advance Approval Required: Vessels “seeking to transit the waterway are required to send their requests to the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA)” Ships must submit transit requests at least 48 hours before arrival_.

3. *Safety Route Mandate*: Due to _“specific circumstances and existence of some safety hazards along the passage route,” including mines, ships must “pass through along the announced route and at the announced time”.

Signed Electronically: President *Masoud Pezeshkian* and US President *Donald Trump signed the 14-point MoU electronically early Thursday. Vice President JD Vance said the next 60 days will determine whether a fragile memorandum evolves into a lasting agreement 

Why Now: Ending Conflict, Reopening Trade.

The MoU aims to “end conflict on all fronts, including Lebanon”and restore maritime traffic through the strait, a chokepoint for 20% of global oil. The US agreed to begin removing its naval blockade and related restrictions. 

Iran will facilitate “safe passage for commercial shipping between the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman” initially for 60 days without charges. After the period, Iran has signaled it “intends to charge for passage” with Parliament Speaker *Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf saying: “Iran has the right to sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and of course we will receive a fee for services.”.

IIran’s Control Measures.

The IRGC Navywill oversee compliance. “All ships, commercial vessels, and tankers are only required to travel through the designated routes and obtain permission from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy. Any violation… will seriously jeopardise the security of their traffic”

Executive arrangements and technical details will be announced through the PGSA. 

Broader Deal Context.

The MoU also includes:

US naval blockade lifted gradually in line with restored shipping.

Iran to remove mines within 30 days

$300B+ economic package for Iran’s reconstruction under negotiation.

Sanctions relief: US Treasury waivers for Iranian oil exports pending final deal. 67b131ecdc25

Risks Remain.

Despite the agreement, shipping giant Maersk said it won’t send vessels until routes are proven safe and has “asked for a guarantee from Iran that they will not be attacked” The MoU does “not rule out fees being imposed later”