Iran denies closure of Hormuz, temporarily waives transit fees but may impose insurance fees in the future; US military says over 20 ships have passed through the strait.
```
After the United States announced the lifting of the maritime blockade on Iran, and Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah reached a ceasefire, the world's most closely watched global energy chokepoint, the Strait of Hormuz, is gradually resuming normal navigation.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry on Thursday publicly denied any claim that it would close the Strait of Hormuz, and announced that no passage fees would be charged during the 60-day negotiation period with the US. At the same time, Iran launched a new vessel transit management system, requiring all ships transiting the strait to submit applications at least 48 hours in advance. Iranian officials also signaled that they may charge insurance fees for vessels passing through the strait in the future to strengthen control over this global energy hub.
The US military stated that after advising ships to avoid the central mine area by sailing along the Omani coast, more than 20 ships have passed safely through the Strait of Hormuz. The US emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway, and all ships have the right to safe passage and should not be subjected to any "arbitrary requirements or obstruction."
Iran Says Strait Passage Is Normal, Waives Transit Fees During 60-Day Negotiations
With the US and Iran reaching a memorandum of understanding and entering a formal 60-day negotiation stage, there were earlier concerns that Iran might close the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global crude oil supply.
According to Xinhua News Agency, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baghaei posted on social media on Friday the 19th, refuting some media reports that the "Strait of Hormuz is closed." Baghaei said that based on the US-Iran MOU, the Iranian armed forces have taken the necessary measures to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait, and traffic is currently normal on this route.
It is reported that Iran will suspend the collection of passage fees in the Strait of Hormuz for the 60 days of negotiations with the US to demonstrate goodwill and create a favorable environment for diplomatic talks.
The Hormuz Strait Management Authority set up by Iran ("Persian Gulf Strait Administration", PGSA) said on Friday that according to the memorandum of understanding signed with the US this week, the original Strait of Hormuz transit fees will be waived during the 60 days of negotiations.
The Strait of Hormuz handles about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas shipments and is a key export route for Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq, Kuwait, and Qatar. Any disruption to navigation could quickly drive up international oil prices.
Iran Implements New Rules: All Vessels Must Apply 48 Hours in Advance
While denying a blockade of the strait, Iran is strengthening the management of passage order. According to new regulations released by Iran, from June 19, all commercial vessels and oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz must submit navigation applications and relevant information at least 48 hours in advance.
According to CCTV News, on Friday the 19th local time, Iran's "Persian Gulf Strait Administration" (PGSA) announced, in light of the US-Iran memorandum of understanding and related government instructions, that during the announced period, vessels that apply as required and meet relevant conditions will be arranged passage through the Strait.
PGSA’s transit requirements specify that transit applications must be submitted at least 48 hours before vessels arrive in the Strait of Hormuz region.
Iran said this move aims to improve navigation safety and efficiency and reduce the risk of misjudgment caused by military conflict.
After the implementation of the new system, Iran has in fact further strengthened its management of navigation activity in the Strait of Hormuz. Although Iran has emphasized that it will not hinder international shipping, some in the shipping industry are worried that this requirement may affect future shipping freedom.
Iran Mulls Insurance Fees, Attempts to Establish Long-Term Charging Mechanism
In addition to temporarily exempting transit fees, Iran is also considering establishing a new charging system. Its "Persian Gulf Strait Administration" (PGSA) announced that ships are not allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without its permission and hinted at the possibility of charging "insurance fees," laying the groundwork for future fee arrangements.
A document on the PGSA website states that all vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz must obtain a mandatory insurance policy, which is currently free but may be charged in the future. The authority also stipulated that ships must navigate along routes designated along Iran's coastline, and straying from these routes is strictly forbidden.
Industry insiders believe this mechanism could become an important tool for Iran to exert long-term influence on global energy transport without directly restricting shipping.
Reports indicate that insurance fees may be a precursor to a formal transit fee system in the future. Since the Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran and Oman, Iran aims to use its geopolitical advantage to build a more institutionalized management framework.
However, the Iranian government has not yet announced the fee standards or timeline for implementation.
US Military Releases Latest Transit Update: Over 20 Ships Safely Passed Via Oman Coastal Route
US Central Command revealed on Thursday that with the lifting of the maritime blockade on Iran, navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is gradually returning to normal.
It is reported that US Central Command spokesman Tim Hawkins said the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) had previously advised ships to use the route along the Omani coast to avoid possible mines in the central channel.
Hawkins said, “Last night (Wednesday), over 20 ships safely passed through the designated channel.”
He emphasized that as an international waterway, all vessels have the right to safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and should not be subject to any arbitrary demands, claims, or obstructions.
US Central Command stated that US forces will continue operations in related sea areas 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 start of US-Iran 60-day talks, and the US lifting the maritime blockade, the Strait of Hormuz is shifting from previously being the focus of "war risk" concerns to a new management model.
On one hand, Iran is signaling easing of tensions by waiving transit fees and denying strait closure; on the other, with the 48-hour application system and possible future insurance fees, Tehran is seeking to institutionalize its influence over this lifeline for global energy.
Meanwhile, the US continues to stress the principle of freedom of navigation, ensuring the restoration of commercial transport through escort and route guidance.
For the global energy market, the greatest risk is no longer a sudden closure of the Strait of Hormuz, but whether Iran will gradually establish a new set of charging and regulatory systems that could change the operating rules of this most important energy artery in the long term.
Risk Reminder and DisclaimerThe market involves risks; investment requires caution. This article does not constitute personal investment advice and does not take into account individual users’ specific investment goals, financial situations, or needs. Users should consider whether any opinions, views, or conclusions in this article are suitable for their particular circumstances. Investments based on this are at your own risk. ```