Iran issues new procedures for vessels requesting passage through Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), the body responsible for maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, announced on Friday new procedures for vessels seeking passage through the waterway, including a requirement that transit requests be submitted at least 48 hours in advance.

In a post on social media platform X, the PGSA stressed that only vessels that comply with the requirements will be "cleared for passage promptly."

The PGSA said passage requests must be submitted exclusively through its website and email address, and must include vessels' "valid and accessible" contact information. To avoid delays, vessels are required to submit passage requests and necessary information "at least 48 hours prior to arrival at the strait area," it said.

The PGSA also announced that, during the 60-day period specified in the newly signed peace memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States, ships will be exempt from charges related to passage through the strait. Costs associated with security, safety and environmental services, as well as related Iranian insurance requirements, will be covered by the Iranian government.

Vessels must coordinate with Iranian authorities in advance regarding the designated route and time of crossing the Strait of Hormuz, it said, adding that vessel owners will bear responsibility for any failure to comply with the regulation.

The announcement came a day after Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) issued an order for the swift handling of requests by vessels for passage through the Strait of Hormuz in line with the Iran-U.S. MoU.

According to the SNSC, under the MoU, no fee will be charged for 60 days for passage by ships requesting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, and all the expenses will be covered by the Iranian government.

On Feb. 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. bases and assets in the region, and tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, barring safe passage of vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States.

Iran issues new procedures for vessels requesting passage through Strait of Hormuz

Some Iranian citizens are skeptical about the prospects for a lasting peace agreement, after the United States and Iran agreed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that ended more than 100 days of conflict between the two countries.

Iran, the United States and Pakistan early Monday announced the finalization of the MoU on ending the war in the region on all fronts, including Lebanon. The agreement was signed early Thursday by the Iranian president and his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Thursday at a White House briefing that the MoU triggered a 60-day negotiating period that began on Thursday and is due to expire on Aug 17.

On the streets of Tehran, residents expressed mixed reactions towards the MoU, with some voicing wariness based on past experience with negotiations.

"If an agreement is reached and it serves the interests of our country, we support it. However, during the previous two rounds of negotiations we were attacked, and officials must be cautious and take the interests of the Iranian people into account in these talks and agreements, so that they lead to economic prosperity and improved conditions," said Alireza, a Tehran resident.

"We are not at all optimistic about Mr. Trump. During the negotiations, we were attacked twice. I think this time will be the same as before," said Aziz, another Tehran resident.

On Feb. 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. bases and assets in the region.

Tehran residents express skepticism following signing of Iran-US MoU