Iran on Friday, 19 June introduced sweeping new regulations for commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, mandating advance registration, permits, and insurance before ships may enter one of the world's most strategically vital energy corridors. The move comes despite the waterway's recent reopening under a US-Iran agreement, raising fresh questions about the smoothness of commercial passage through a route that carries nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade.

The New Authority and Its Mandate

The regulations were announced by Iran's newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), set up as part of the framework negotiated between Washington and Tehran to restore commercial shipping after more than three months of conflict. The PGSA said the measures are designed to ensure the safe movement of vessels through the strait, citing residual hazards — including mines — that may remain from the period of hostilities.

In a statement posted on X, the authority announced: 'In light of the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and the issuance of instructions by the relevant authorities, applicants for passage through the Strait of Hormuz are hereby informed that, during the announced time period, passage will be granted to vessels that submit their passage requests in compliance with the necessary requirements.'

Key Requirements for Ship Operators

Under the revised procedures, ship owners and operators must submit transit requests at least 48 hours before arriving at the strait. All required vessel information must be provided in advance to avoid delays at entry and exit points, the PGSA said. Ships must also secure both permits and insurance before being permitted to transit.

Additionally, vessels are required to follow designated shipping corridors established by Iranian authorities to steer clear of areas where mines or other hazards may still be present. The authority warned that any failure to comply with the new requirements would be the sole responsibility of vessel owners.

Why This Matters for Global Energy Markets

The Strait of Hormuz is the world's single most important oil chokepoint, with roughly 20% of globally traded crude oil and LNG passing through its narrow waters daily. Even minor disruptions — or added bureaucratic friction — can ripple across global energy prices. The introduction of a formal permit and registration regime, while framed as a safety measure, adds a new layer of Iranian oversight over a passage that international maritime law has long held open for transit.

Notably, this is the first time Iran has established a dedicated authority specifically to regulate Hormuz transit, a structural shift that could have lasting implications for shipping insurance premiums and route planning by major tanker operators.

What Happens Next

The PGSA has directed applicants to submit passage requests through its official portal at PGSA.ir. Industry bodies and major shipping operators are expected to assess compliance timelines, while insurers will likely reprice war-risk and transit-risk coverage for the corridor. How swiftly the new framework is operationalised — and whether the US-Iran agreement holds against these added conditions — will be closely watched by energy markets and maritime regulators alike.