Iran Orders Faster Vessel Clearances Through Strait Of Hormuz Under New MoU

Iran has ordered its Strait authority to speed up approvals for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement from the country’s Supreme National Security Council.

The move is part of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Tehran and Washington, state media reported.

The Persian Gulf Strait Authority will now issue faster authorisations for vessels seeking to transit the waterway.

Iran also said measures related to mine clearance will be carried out under the Islamabad MoU framework. However, ships must still follow the routes and timings set by the authority.

Iran has also introduced a temporary 60-day waiver on passage fees for foreign vessels, with the government covering the costs during this period, according to reports.

The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global oil and cargo shipments, making any change in its operating rules important for international shipping and energy trade.

In a separate update, the US-led Combined Maritime Forces’ Joint Maritime Information Centre said the maritime security threat level in the Strait of Hormuz has been lowered to “moderate,” suggesting improved conditions for shipping.

The US military has also lifted a blockade on maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas, US Central Command said on X. US naval ships will still remain in the wider region.

An image from Iran’s ISNA news agency dated 18 June 2026 showed vessels anchored at Bandar Abbas near the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting ongoing activity in the area.

Even with faster approvals and reduced risk levels, ships must continue to follow strict routing rules and timing instructions, while security measures and naval presence remain in place.

References: Middle East Eye, The Hans India