Iran orders swift processing of Strait of Hormuz transit requests

Tehran (ANTARA) - Iran’s highest security body announced on Thursday (18/6) that it has issued an order for the immediate handling of applications from vessels wishing to transit the Strait of Hormuz, in line with efforts to realise the objectives of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) newly signed between Tehran and Washington. The Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) of Iran made the announcement in a statement published by Iranian media hours after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and United States President Donald Trump signed the MoU electronically. The SNSC stated that under the MoU, vessels applying to transit the Strait of Hormuz will not be charged fees for 60 days, and all expenses will be borne by the Iranian government. Vessels wishing to transit the strait are required to submit their applications to the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), the SNSC added. “Given the special situation and certain safety risks along the shipping route, and to ensure traffic safety and prevent maritime accidents, vessels are required to pass through the announced route and at the designated time,” the SNSC elaborated, while assuring that traffic in the waterway will increase gradually. The SNSC said executive arrangements and technical details regarding navigation through the strait will be announced via the PGSA. Iran, the United States, and Pakistan on Monday (15/6) morning announced the finalisation of the MoU aimed at ending conflicts on all fronts, including Lebanon. Pezeshkian and Trump signed the MoU electronically on Thursday morning.