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US Vice President JD Vance has confirmed that passage through the Strait of Hormuz will remain free of charge for 60 days during ongoing talks between Washington and Tehran, and that toll-free access will continue even after a final agreement is reached. The statement, reported by TASS, follows a memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries, with a formal deal expected in Geneva on June 19.

Details of the Agreement

According to TASS, Vance stated that "for the 60 days we're negotiating the final deal, there will be toll-free access in and out of the Strait of Hormuz." He also said Washington expects that passage through the waterway will remain free even after the final version of the agreement is concluded.

The 60-day period is part of a broader ceasefire and negotiation framework. Iran's Fars news agency, citing a source, reported that Tehran will not demand payment for safe passage services during this deferral period. After the 60 days, however, Iran intends to offer services in security, navigation, environment, and insurance to commercial vessels, with the aim of generating revenue for the country's economic development. These services would be provided jointly by Iran and Oman.

Key Claims

  • Toll-free passage for 60 days: Vice President Vance confirmed that ships will pass through the Strait of Hormuz free of charge during the negotiating period. This claim is supported by his public statements.
  • No tolls after the deal either: Vance indicated that the US expects toll-free passage to continue even after a final agreement is signed.
  • Possible US tolls if no deal: President Trump has said that tolls could be imposed if the final agreement is not completed. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote that there will be "NO TOLLS" for 60 days during the ceasefire and no tolls after unless the deal falls through, in which case the US might impose tolls "for services rendered as the Guardian Angel to the countries of the Middle East."
  • US may take 20% of oil: Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst reported, citing President Trump, that the US could potentially collect tolls and take 20% of the oil passing through the Strait, describing the US as the "guardian angel" of the waterway. This statement, however, appears to be conditional on the deal not being completed.
  • Iran's post-deferral plans: After the 60-day period, Iran plans to offer paid maritime services jointly with Oman, according to a source cited by Fars agency.
  • Geneva signing and nuclear talks: The final agreement is expected to be signed in Geneva on June 19ched. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said that during the 60-day ceasefire, the sides will discuss the nuclear program. US maritime blockade measures against Iran are expected to end from June 15.

Perspectives

While Vice President Vance's remarks emphasize the continuation of free passage, President Trump's statements introduce a degree of uncertainty. Trump has repeatedly framed the US role as that of a "guardian angel" in the region, suggesting that tolls could be imposed to recover costs if negotiations fail. This contrast highlights the conditional nature of the current arrangement.

Iranian officials, for their part, have indicated that they expect to benefit economically from the strait's traffic after the deferral period, suggesting a shift from toll-free passage to a commercial arrangement involving both Iran and Oman.

Conclusion

As the US and Iran move toward final negotiations, the status of the Strait of Hormuz remains a central point. The current understanding provides toll-free passage for at least 60 days, with the possibility of a permanent free regime if the deal is signed. However, the threat of future tolls remains a factor if negotiations fail. The situation continues to evolve, with key details expected to be clarified as the June 19 signing date approaches.