Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Iran’s Parliament Speaker and top negotiator, has confirmed that the toll-free passage through the Strait of Hormuz granted under a memorandum of understanding with the United States will last only 60 days.
After that window closes, Iran intends to start charging service fees for commercial vessels transiting the strait.
What the deal actually says
The MoU was signed around June 18-19, 2026, in Switzerland as part of broader nuclear discussions between the US and Iran. The agreement reopens the strait for commercial shipping without fees during a limited interim period, designed as a confidence-building measure between two nations that have spent years escalating tensions in the region.
Qalibaf framed the arrangement as evidence of Iran’s commitment to structured oversight of maritime traffic. He emphasized safe passage measures, including establishing a communication line to prevent maritime incidents, and pointed to international maritime law as the foundation for Iran’s position.
