Why Oil Tankers Still Cannot Pass Through the Strait of Hormuz Despite the U.S.-Iran MoU

U.S. President Donald Trump has officially signed a peace agreement with Iran, known as a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This signing took place one day ahead of the official ceremony scheduled to be held in Switzerland.

U.S. President Donald Trump has officially signed a peace agreement with Iran

According to Article 5 of the MoU, following the signing, the Islamic Republic of Iran will exert its best efforts to ensure the safe and free passage of commercial vessels within 60 days, spanning from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman. The transit of commercial ships is expected to commence immediately, taking into account the necessity of eliminating technical and military obstacles, while mine-clearing operations by the Islamic Republic of Iran are to be carried out within 30 days.

Furthermore, Iran will engage in a dialogue with the Sultan of Oman to determine future maritime management and services in the Strait of Hormuz. This will involve consultations with other Persian Gulf coastal states, in accordance with applicable international laws and the sovereign rights of the states bordering the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite these developments, obstacles remain, and oil tankers are still unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, raising questions as to why this is the case.

According to reports by PBS, reopening the Strait of Hormuz will take up to 30 days. This period is strictly necessary for the Iranian navy to clear sea mines and resolve military-technical obstacles left behind from more than four months of warfare to guarantee the safety of civilian vessels. This stands as one of the primary reasons why oil tankers cannot yet resume transit despite the MoU.

the Iranian navy conducting sea mine clearance operations and removing military obstacles

Another major reason involves the uncertainty surrounding Iran's demand for "service fees." According to BBC broadcasts, the U.S. side declared that transit must be completely free of any service charges or taxes during the initial 60 days.

However, Iran has loudly proclaimed that the Strait of Hormuz will not return to its pre-war status. Asserting its sovereignty, Iran plans to establish a system to collect fees for maritime navigation, environmental protection, and insurance in cooperation with Oman.

This legal and financial uncertainty has prompted oil tanker owners to halt voyages and wait out the situation for further clarity.