The Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), which sets Iran's security policy, said on the 18th (local time) that, under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end hostilities with the United States, it will fully waive tolls for merchant ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz for the next 60 days.
According to Iran's state broadcaster IRIB and others, the SNSC issued a statement saying, "Under Article 5 of the MOU, no fees will be imposed on vessels applying to transit the Strait of Hormuz for the next 60 days, and all expense will be fully covered by the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran."
It added, "Merchant ships wishing to pass through the Strait of Hormuz must submit a prior transit request through the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA)," and explained, "To honor the purpose of the MOU and achieve its goals swiftly, received transit requests will be handled as the top priority and processed quickly."
However, the SNSC urged ships to strictly follow guidelines, noting that safety risks remain around the route. The SNSC said, "To prevent maritime accidents and ensure safe passage, the designated times and routes announced by the authorities in advance must be strictly observed."
It continued, "Based on compliance with safety guidelines, we plan to gradually expand the scale of passage within the strait," adding that other measures to ensure the strait's safety, including mine clearance, will also be taken step by step under the provisions of the memorandum of understanding.