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Iran Orders Swift Processing of Vessel Requests Through Strait of Hormuz Under New US MoU
Iran's Supreme National Security Council has ordered swift processing of vessel passage requests through the Strait of Hormuz under a new MoU signed by Iranian President Pezeshkian and U.S. President Trump. The agreement provides a 60-day fee-free transit period with all costs covered by Iran, while requiring vessels to follow designated routes and times to ensure maritime safety.
Quick Facts
Who
Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC)
What
SNSC issued order for swift handling of vessel passage requests
When
Thursday, June 18, 2026 (SNSC announcement)
Where
Strait of Hormuz
- SNSC issued order for swift handling of vessel passage requests
- MoU signed electronically between Iran and United States
- 60-day fee-free period for ship passage announced
- Iran to cover all expenses for vessel passage during period
- Vessels required to submit requests to PGSA
Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) announced Thursday that it has issued orders to swiftly process vessel requests for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, following a newly-signed memorandum of understanding with the United States. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and U.S. President Donald Trump signed the MoU electronically early Thursday, with Iran, the United States, and Pakistan having announced the finalization of the agreement earlier in the week. The MoU aims to end conflict on all fronts, including Lebanon.
Under the agreement, vessels will not be charged fees for a 60-day period to transit the Strait of Hormuz, with all expenses covered by the Iranian government. Ships seeking passage are required to submit requests to the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), which will announce executive arrangements and technical details for transit. The SNSC acknowledged safety hazards along the passage route and emphasized the necessity for vessels to follow announced routes and transit times to ensure safe traffic and prevent maritime accidents.
The Iranian security council provided assurances that traffic through the strategically critical waterway would gradually increase under the new framework. The order reflects Tehran's commitment to meeting the objectives outlined in the bilateral memorandum while maintaining oversight of maritime operations through the strait, one of the world's most important shipping channels for global oil trade.
Why This Matters
This MoU reopens one of the world's most critical shipping channels amid geopolitical tensions. The agreement provides immediate cost relief for maritime commerce while establishing a structured transit framework, directly affecting global oil prices, international trade flows, and supply chain stability. Companies relying on Middle Eastern energy or goods should expect improved predictability in logistics costs and transit times over the next 60 days.