TEHRAN – Hormuz remains reopened under new Iran-backed transit framework in wake of US-Iran peace deal. But passage through strategic waterway will no longer be business as usual.
Commercial shipping has begun returning to the Strait of Hormuz following US–Iran agreement that ended nearly three and a half months of disruption in one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
Under fresh regulations announced by Tehran, ships must now seek approval at least 48 hours in advance and follow designated routes and schedules, marking a significant shift in how vessel traffic is managed through the vital maritime chokepoint.
Tehran introduced new transit framework for vessels passing through Strait of Hormuz, requiring all ships to obtain advance authorization and coordinate their passage with Iranian authorities under arrangements linked to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), the body responsible for overseeing the waterway, announced that shipowners and operators must submit transit requests at least 48 hours before reaching the strait. Vessels will also be required to secure approval for designated routes and scheduled passage times before entering the strategic maritime corridor.
The new regulations come after reopening of Strait of Hormuz under US-Iran peace deal and amid continued concerns over regional security and maritime safety in the area. The waterway remains one of the world’s most important energy transit routes, carrying a significant share of global seaborne oil and gas exports.
PGSA said vessels complying with the new procedures will be granted passage during the 60-day period covered by the Islamabad MoU. Iran has also announced that all expenses related to security, navigational safety, environmental protection services and mandatory Iranian insurance requirements will be covered by the government during the temporary arrangement.
The authority also highlighted presence of mine-affected areas near shipping routes and stressed that adherence to approved routing and timing is mandatory to minimize navigational risks and avoid maritime incidents. Vessel owners who fail to follow assigned routes or schedules will be held responsible for any consequences arising from non-compliance, the authority warned.
While service and insurance fees have been waived during the initial 60-day period, the temporary nature of the arrangement has prompted speculation that Iran could introduce a formal fee structure for security, safety, environmental and insurance-related services once the agreement expires.
If fully implemented, the framework would mark one of the most significant changes to transit procedures in the Strait of Hormuz in recent years, potentially expanding Iran’s role in coordinating vessel movements through the strategically important waterway.
Hormuz crisis began on February 28 when US and Israeli forces launched major strikes on Iran. Iran effectively closed Strait of Hormuz, causing a sharp decline in shipping traffic and disrupting roughly 20% of global oil exports. Energy prices surged as tensions escalated across the region.
Despite a temporary ceasefire in April, negotiations repeatedly stalled and maritime tensions continued. The United States responded with naval escort operations and a blockade of key Iranian ports, while diplomatic efforts intensified through regional mediators.
A breakthrough came in mid-June when Washington and Tehran signed Memorandum of Understanding aimed at ending hostilities, reopening the Strait, and easing sanctions. Limited vessel traffic resumed this week, although shipping remains well below normal levels due to mine-clearing operations, insurance concerns, and a large backlog of stranded vessels.
Oil prices slip as Strait of Hormuz reopens after US-Iran peace deal
