Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Exempts Hormuz Transit Fees for 60 Days

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council announced that all commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz would be completely exempt from transit fees for 60 days, as part of implementation of Clause 5 of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

The council said, "for a period of 60 days, no fees whatsoever will be collected from applicants, and these costs will be covered by the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran," while directing commercial ships to submit a formal request to the Persian Gulf Shipping Administration via its official portal (PGSA.ir).

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The SNSC also warned that strict operational guidelines must be maintained due to ongoing security liabilities, saying it is mandatory for ships to transit via the routes and times designated to them.

The council further said supplementary safety measures required by Clause 5, including necessary minesweeping operations, are actively being organized to secure the shipping lane.

In parallel, the Korea Times reported that the MOU text includes safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz with no charge for 60 days only, and that Iran will make arrangements using its best efforts for that transit window.

As the MoU framework moves forward, multiple outlets described a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz alongside a 60-day negotiating window toward a final agreement.

NBC News said President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding at the Palace of Versailles, and it reported Trump’s remark, "It’s signed. Signed in Versailles. Just signed it."

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NBC News also said the MOU stipulates that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen with Iran agreeing to allow "safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days only," followed by negotiations with Oman to define the future administration of the trade route.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported that Vice President JD Vance said the 60-day period officially started on June 18, and it quoted Vance saying, "I would say the 60-day period officially started today."

RFE/RL added that the interim agreement gives Tehran and Washington 60 days to reach a final settlement, including limits to Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of US sanctions on the Islamic republic.

Beyond transit fees, the MoU framework described in the sources ties Hormuz access to broader commitments on military operations, sanctions, and Iran’s nuclear program.

The Korea Times said the MOU includes an "immediate and permanent" end to military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and it quoted Paragraph 1 of the MOU as, "including in Lebanon," while also stating Iran reaffirmed it will not procure or develop nuclear weapons.

Roya News said the SNSC issued binding directives to the Persian Gulf Shipping Administration to eliminate bureaucratic delays and process transit requests with maximum speed and top operational priority, while emphasizing that ships cannot navigate the strait at will.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said he initially disagreed with the memorandum but accepted it after assurances from President Masud Pezeshkian, quoting Khamenei’s written message: "As a matter of principle, I held a different view."

Meanwhile, Yen i Şafak said at least 12 tankers transited the Strait of Hormuz in recent days, with traffic having plummeted over 90% during the conflict from around 130 ships daily to roughly 10, signaling cautious recovery as the 60-day arrangements take effect.