Iran is preparing to introduce an "insurance fee" for vessels transiting the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz after the expiry of its 60-day agreement with the United States, according to multiple media reports.
The proposed measure could significantly expand Tehran's influence over one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints, though analysts say any long-term implementation would likely require cooperation from neighbouring Oman, whose territorial waters form part of the narrow waterway.
Under the 60-day ceasefire arrangement between Iran and the United States, known as the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, Tehran agreed not to levy any charges on ships using the strait. However, the agreement reportedly leaves open the possibility of a new transit framework once the arrangement expires.
According to maritime intelligence publication Lloyd's List, Iran's newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) has circulated a notice within the shipping industry outlining plans for a future fee-based system.
The document states that transit insurance is currently provided free of charge, with costs covered by the Iranian government. However, it warns that the authority reserves the right to introduce insurance fees in the future, after which vessel owners would be required to purchase and renew coverage.
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The proposed framework also specifies designated navigation routes through the strait, including passage near Iran's Larak Island. The authority reportedly warned that deviations from the approved route would be treated as violations and stated that it now oversees transit applications and permit issuance.
The PGSA further said it could impose penalties, revoke passage permissions or take legal action against vessels that fail to comply with the regulations.
The proposal has divided the global shipping industry. Some shipowners argue that a transit fee may be preferable to soaring war-risk insurance premiums and disruptions caused by regional instability. Others, particularly major Western maritime groups, oppose any charges for passage through the waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz, which links the Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, is only about 21 nautical miles wide at its narrowest point and remains a crucial route for global energy shipments.
International maritime law generally prohibits countries from imposing tolls on innocent passage through territorial waters. However, legal experts note that precedents exist for charges linked to navigation safety, environmental protection and pilotage services in other strategic waterways.
Analysts say Oman's position will be crucial. If Muscat declines to support the proposal, vessels could potentially use Omani territorial waters to bypass Iranian-controlled routes, limiting Tehran's ability to enforce any future fee system.
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