BREAKING: Iran Introduces New Transit Rules for Ships Passing Through Strait of Hormuz

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According to a report by Anadolu Agency on Friday, June 19, 2026, Iran has announced new procedures for vessels seeking to pass through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington aimed at reducing tensions.

The Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) said in a statement on Friday that ships intending to transit the waterway during the period covered by the agreement must submit official requests through the authority’s approved communication channels before receiving clearance to proceed.

According to the authority, only its official website and designated email address will be recognized for processing transit applications. Ship operators were also instructed to provide accurate and accessible contact details for their vessels to ensure smooth communication during the approval process.

The PGSA advised shipowners to submit complete transit applications at least 48 hours before reaching the Strait of Hormuz in order to prevent delays at entry and exit points.

The authority added that fees related to security, safety and environmental services, as well as Iranian insurance costs associated with the transit process, would not be collected during the 60-day period of the agreement. Instead, the Iranian government will cover those expenses.

Iran also highlighted safety concerns linked to navigation through the waterway, saying vessels must coordinate their designated routes and transit schedules before approaching the strait. The authority warned that failure to follow the required procedures would leave responsibility with the vessel owners.

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes, connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the wider Indian Ocean. A significant portion of global oil and gas shipments pass through the narrow waterway, making any disruption there a major concern for international markets.

The announcement follows the signing of a 14-point memorandum of understanding between US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday evening. The agreement was designed to address the escalating confrontation that began on February 28 involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Under the terms of the memorandum, Washington and Tehran are expected to enter into a 60-day negotiation period, with a possible extension, aimed at reaching a broader agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme and the lifting of international sanctions.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who participated in the process as a mediator, said the agreement included provisions requiring Iran to immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz while the United States would end its naval blockade.