The Supreme National Security Council of Iran issued a statement saying that, according to the Iran-U.S. memorandum of understanding, ships applying to transit the Strait of Hormuz will be exempt from related fees in the next 60 days.
According to Xinhua News Agency, the statement said that, in accordance with Article 5 of the memorandum of understanding, commercial ships applying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz must submit an application to the Iranian Persian Gulf Strait Authority. Within the 60-day period, no charges will be levied on ships applying to transit the Strait of Hormuz; the related costs will be borne by the Iranian government. Based on this, the Iranian side has instructed the Persian Gulf Strait Authority to review and respond to relevant applications as soon as possible.
The statement noted that, given the current special circumstances and that there remain security risks in certain areas of the waterway, to ensure the safety of navigation and to avoid maritime accidents, relevant vessels must transit the Strait of Hormuz along designated routes and within designated timeframes.
The statement also said that specific implementation arrangements and technical details concerning navigation through the Strait of Hormuz will be announced separately by the Persian Gulf Strait Authority. For other matters including minesweeping, the Iranian side will take necessary measures according to the relevant provisions of Article 5 of the memorandum of understanding.
Reported: Iranian Delegation Suspends Trip to Geneva for Talks with U.S.
In addition, there are reports that, due to Israel's continued attacks on southern Lebanon, the Iranian delegation has suspended its trip to Geneva, Switzerland for negotiations with the U.S.
According to Xinhua News Agency, on the 18th, Lebanese "Square" TV cited a source as saying that the Iranian delegation had originally been prepared to depart and attend the first round of 60-day negotiations with the U.S. side, but then decided to postpone the trip.