Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has announced that no transit fees will be charged for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz for the next 60 days, as Tehran begins implementing provisions of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed with the United States to end months of conflict.
The move marks a major step toward restoring normal maritime traffic through one of the world’s most strategically important waterways after the US-Iran war disrupted global energy markets and international shipping routes.
In a statement issued on Thursday evening and carried by Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, the Supreme National Security Council confirmed that commercial ships wishing to transit the Strait of Hormuz will not be required to pay any fees for a period of 60 days.
According to the council, the costs normally associated with passage through the waterway will be fully covered by the Iranian government during this period.
“No fees will be charged from applicants for a period of 60 days, and these fees will be covered by Iran,” the statement said.
The announcement is part of the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which entered into force after being electronically signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday evening.
Ships must obtain permits before transit
Iranian authorities said all commercial vessels seeking to pass through the Strait of Hormuz must first submit applications to the Persian Gulf Waterway Management authority.
The Supreme National Security Council stated that the Persian Gulf Waterway Management, also referred to as the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, has been instructed to process applications promptly and prioritize them under the framework of the memorandum.
The authority will issue permits for ships wishing to transit the strait and provide specific sailing schedules and routes.
Iran emphasized that ships will be required to adhere strictly to the designated routes and timings communicated by authorities.
According to the council, the requirement is necessary because of ongoing security concerns and potential risks along the maritime corridor.
Officials said compliance with assigned routes and schedules would help ensure safe navigation, prevent maritime accidents, and allow traffic through the strait to increase gradually.
The council noted that vessels must pass through the Strait of Hormuz at the specified time and along the designated route due to security considerations.
Traffic through Hormuz to increase gradually
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz will be restored in phases.
The statement explained that shipping activity would be gradually expanded as safety conditions improve and operational arrangements are completed.
Iranian authorities described the gradual increase in traffic as a key part of efforts to normalize maritime operations after months of conflict-related disruptions.
The executive arrangements and technical details governing passage through the strait will be announced separately by the Persian Gulf Waterway Management authority.
The council also confirmed that mine clearance operations in and around the Strait of Hormuz will be carried out under Article 5 of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
“Regarding other issues, including mine clearance, the necessary measures will be taken in accordance with Article 5 of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding,” the statement said.
Iranian officials described demining efforts as an important component of restoring full maritime access and ensuring long-term navigation safety through the strategic waterway.
Islamabad memorandum enters into force
The latest measures follow the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, an agreement intended to pave the way for ending the war launched by Washington and Tel Aviv against Iran on February 28.
The memorandum was electronically signed on Wednesday by US President Donald Trump and President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Pakistani mediators subsequently announced that the agreement had officially entered into force.
Under the memorandum, Iran is expected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to international maritime traffic, while the United States begins lifting its naval blockade imposed during the conflict.
The agreement is viewed as a significant diplomatic breakthrough after months of regional instability, military confrontation, and disruptions to global energy supplies.
Next phase on nuclear talks, sanctions
The memorandum also establishes a framework for future negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Under the agreement, the United States and Iran will enter a 60-day period of negotiations, with the possibility of an extension, aimed at reaching a final agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme and international sanctions.
Officials from both sides are expected to use the negotiation period to address unresolved issues related to Tehran’s nuclear activities, sanctions relief, and broader regional security concerns.
For now, the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the suspension of transit fees represent the first major practical steps toward implementing the landmark accord.
