Strait of Hormuz reopened: Iran drops transit fees, US lifts blockade
60 days of free transit, naval blockade lifted, priority processing of applications. Iran will cover all costs during the memorandum's validity. The US confirmed the cessation of all blockade enforcement measures.
As reported by CCTV+, on Thursday Iran's Supreme National Security Council announced the cancellation of all transit fees for commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz for the next 60 days following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Tehran and Washington to resolve the conflict. The fee waiver applies to commercial vessels applying for passage under Article 5 of the MoU. Vessels must submit their transit applications to the Strait of Hormuz Navigation Control Authority, the Iranian body overseeing navigation in the strait.
During the 60 day period, the Iranian government will cover all related costs, allowing vessels to transit free of charge. The authority has been instructed to prioritise and expedite the processing of these applications. However, vessels must adhere to designated shipping lanes and the established schedule. These measures are designed to ensure navigation safety, prevent maritime accidents and gradually increase the waterway's capacity. Authorities will publish further implementation details and technical specifications. Demining operations will be addressed under Article 5 of the MoU.
Meanwhile, the US Central Command announced that American forces have lifted the blockade on all maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas. "US forces are not obstructing the transit of vessels to or from Iranian ports. All US enforcement efforts of the military blockade have ceased," the command said.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic maritime chokepoint between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, through which about 20% of global oil passes. Its effective blockade began after the US Israel attack on Iran in late February 2026. The MoU signed on June 19 ended the conflict. The fee waiver and the lifting of the blockade are practical steps toward normalising shipping. Iran's Strait of Hormuz Navigation Control Authority was established to coordinate traffic in this narrow waterway. Demining remains a key challenge.
When the oil flow is cut off, the world suffocates. But when the strait reopens and fees are dropped, not only trade returns — hope returns. Sixty days of free transit are not just savings for shipowners. It is a signal: the conflict is receding, and trust is taking its place. Iran covers the costs, the US lifts the blockade, and vessels resume their route. Demining is still ahead, but the main step has been taken: the water is free again. And when the first tanker crosses the strait without hindrance, it will mean diplomacy has won over force.
