Strait of Hormuz Reopens After US-Iran Ceasefire, New Transit Rules Raise Industry Concern

On June 19, 2026 the U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding that halted fighting and led the U.S. Navy to lift its blockade of Iranian ports. Within hours four tankers carrying crude, refined products and LPG entered the Strait of Hormuz.

Boston HeraldReutersCNBCOil Shipments Through Hormuz Rebound Despite Concerns Over Iran Transit RulesAssociated PressIran Asserts Control Over the Strait of HormuzNew York TimesHormuz reopens, but obstacles remain as oil markets seek path to normalcy

The strait carries about one-fifth of global oil and gas. Its closure in February drove prices up and left 550 merchant ships—including 160 tankers—stranded in the Persian Gulf. The ceasefire offers a narrow trade window.

Associated Press

Reuters logged 25 crossings on June 18, the highest since mid-April but far below the pre-war average of about 120. Kpler noted more than 20 tankers and 25 vessels transiting on Thursday. Intertanko estimates roughly 80 mines still need clearance.

CNBC

The U.S. Joint Maritime Information Center warned mariners of mines, and the Navy confirmed the blockade’s end. Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) requires a valid passage permit for each transit and reserves the right to impose insurance fees after a 60-day toll-free period. The U.S. Treasury sanctioned PGSA in May, accusing it of extorting vessels. Shipowners argue the permit system breaches maritime norms and could raise costs, while analysts warn fees may deter carriers.

Reuters

Permit uncertainty made a shipping executive reluctant to dispatch vessels. Lloyd’s List confirmed owners Grimaldi Group, Cosco, Knutsen and NYK had begun moving ships, while UANI reported ten Iranian-flagged supertankers carrying 20 million barrels left the Gulf of Oman. Sources differ on traffic: Reuters cites 25 crossings, Kpler reports “more than 20” tankers, and other outlets mention 25 ships overall. Mine-clearance estimates range from Intertanko’s 80 mines to unspecified figures, and Iran has hinted at future fees without a set timetable.

CNBC

• “Mariners should be advised of the existence of mines and expect naval presence as clearance operations continue.” — Joint Maritime Information Center, U.S. Navy

Iran Asserts Control Over the Strait of Hormuz

• “Risks range from the danger of mines … to that of getting stuck in the Mideast Gulf should tempers flare and Iran block Hormuz once again.” — Braemar, ship broker

Reuters

• “First of all, we believe international waterways should be free of tolls.” — Vice President JD Vance

Iran Asserts Control Over the Strait of Hormuz

• “No vessel is permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without a valid passage permit issued by the PGSA.” — Persian Gulf Strait Authority

Iran Asserts Control Over the Strait of Hormuz

The 60-day toll-free period ends in late August, after which Iran will negotiate fee mechanisms with Oman and Gulf states. Mine-clearance continues, and a postponed Swiss-based round of talks leaves the settlement uncertain. Market participants will watch for announcements on permits, insurance fees or a revised security framework before traffic returns to pre-war levels.

Oil Shipments Through Hormuz Rebound Despite Concerns Over Iran Transit Rules