Iran Introduces New Transit Rules for Ships in Strait of Hormuz

Iran has introduced a new transit regime for the Strait of Hormuz that requires ships to obtain authorization before passage. The controlled maritime zone extends from Kuh-e Mubarak in Iran to south of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates at the eastern entrance and from the tip of Qeshm Island to Umm al-Quwain at the western entrance.

Iranian authorities say they are coordinating vessel movements through the passage. Officials reported that 26 ships transited under their oversight on Thursday. The announcements follow earlier reports that Iran is developing a system using security clearances, transit fees, and potentially Bitcoin-backed insurance.

According to a Reuters investigation, the system uses a tiered approval process. Vessels linked to Russia and China reportedly receive priority access, followed by ships from India and Pakistan. Other vessels require separate government agreements or direct approval from Iranian authorities.

Ship captains and operators can apply directly via email for permission to cross the waterway. Applicants receive an Excel spreadsheet requesting detailed information about the vessel and cargo. Reuters could not independently determine how many vessels have used the scheme so far.

Iran has said ships linked to the United States or Israel may not cross the strait. Two European shipping sources told Reuters some vessels not covered by formal agreements were paying large sums, in some cases more than $150,000, to secure safe passage.

Ships seeking approval must undergo screening overseen by Iranian authorities. Operators submit documents disclosing cargo details, the ship's owner and manager, flag state, departure and destination ports, and crew nationalities. The process can reportedly take about a week and may include physical inspections.

An IRGC-affiliated news agency reported that Iranian officials are advancing a plan for digital maritime insurance coverage using Bitcoin payments. The longer-term goal is to require vessels using the strait to obtain Iranian-issued insurance or financial responsibility certificates.

The reports come as Iran increasingly turns to cryptocurrencies to work around Western sanctions and restrictions on access to the global banking system.