Iran has announced a new policy for vessels using the Strait of Hormuz, requiring every ship to register 48 hours in advance with a newly formed authority overseeing this maritime route, although navigation remains free of charge at this time.
On 19 June 2026 GMT+7, Iranian official media reported that the "Persian Gulf Strait Authority," a new government agency, has issued a directive requiring ships entering or leaving the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz to notify and register at least 48 hours before their journey.
This development follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reached between Iran and the United States aimed at reducing regional tensions, stipulating that navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remain free and toll-free for 60 days.
However, although the MoU guarantees free navigation during this period, it does not prevent Iran from imposing fees in the future. Many view the establishment of the new authority and the mandatory ship registration as a sign that Iran is preparing a system for managing and eventually charging tolls.
According to U.S. data, over 12.5 million barrels of crude oil were transported through the Strait of Hormuz on the night of the past Wednesday. Experts estimate that although navigation has resumed, it will take several weeks or months for oil and natural gas shipments through the strait to fully return to normal.