US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: Iran Moves to Impose ‘Insurance Fees’ on Strait of Hormuz Shipping as Global Oil Trade on Edge

Iran’s proposed 'insurance fees' for the Strait of Hormuz escalate tensions with the US and allies, raising fears over global oil flow disruption and contested maritime control despite ongoing diplomatic negotiations.

By: Amreen Ahmad
Last Updated: June 19, 2026 20:55:26 IST

US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz has taken a new turn that is full of uncertainties following Iran’s indication that it is considering imposing an “insurance fee” on ships transiting the most important oil routes in the world. This development occurs against a backdrop where the United States and Iran seek to stabilize the region amid conflicting rules of maritime law.

US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: Iran’s “Insurance Fee” Proposal Raises Stakes

The Persian Gulf Strait Authority in Iran has developed a plan under which ships going through the Strait of Hormuz will be compelled to get compulsory insurance, with the supervision of Iran although the plan is said to be presently free of charge, it leaves room open for making it a payable process in the future. It is presented as a security measure but can actually mean a move towards monetization of control over an important international shipping point.

US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: Strait of Hormuz Route Control & Shipping Rules

Iranian authorities have also stressed that ships should navigate through a specific coastal path within Iran-controlled waters while other routes are being discouraged by Tehran, especially those which lie close to the coast of Oman. The western alliance of navies has suggested to oil tankers that they can use alternative southern routes.

US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: Insurance Policy Tied to Security Guarantees

According to Iran’s suggestion, the insurance coverages are linked to the clearance process, thus ships should apply for permission from the Iranian side. The policy says that all existing coverages costs are borne by Tehran at present, while all the other future expenses will be determined by Iranian regulators or their insurance companies and this will create a separate system outside the international maritime insurance schemes.

How Much Is Iran Planning to Impose on Strait of Hormuz Shipping?

Iran has not set a fixed fee yet, but its proposed system introduces mandatory insurance coverage for all vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz while the policy is currently free for a 60-day trial period, after which charges could be introduced based on vessel type and insurer terms. The Strait handles about 18–20% of global oil trade daily, meaning even a small fee increase could impact shipping costs and global crude prices significantly.

Iran has indicated a 60-day grace period, during which insurance coverage will remain free while negotiations continue while after this window, authorities may introduce mandatory pricing depending on geopolitical and security conditions

Possible Cost Impact on Tankers

  • Average oil tanker value: $80 million–$120 million
  • Expected fee per voyage: $160,000 to $480,000 as initial estimates
  • War-risk scenarios have previously pushed insurance costs up to 5% of vessel value ($5 million per ship) in extreme cases

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US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: Global Shipping Industry on Edge

Shipping companies are adopting a cautious approach while there are reports of a slowdown in bookings for tankers originating from ports in the Gulf region because of concerns over compliance and the enforcement process. According to reports, there is evidence in the vessel tracking system of decreased activity within the Strait of Hormuz in the last few days, despite millions of barrels of oil being shipped elsewhere.

US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: US & Allied Response to Iran’s Move

However, allies of the United States such as the UK have tried to fight the acceptance of such control mechanisms from Iran and this is because introducing such systems may be against international laws of the sea and may create a precedence for other such strategic waterways all around the world. It is a known fact that the Strait needs to stay neutral.

US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: What Happens Next for Global Oil Flow

Nearly 20% of the world’s supply of crude oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, any interruption is likely to have significant impacts on prices and inflation rates. It is feared that once the insurance costs become actual tolls, it could alter the landscape of global shipping expenses as well as introduce additional volatility in an industry that is very sensitive to geopolitics.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on developing international updates and maritime policy statements; situation remains fluid and subject to change.

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