US-Iran MoU Ensures 60-Day Fee-Free Hormuz Passage; Trump Contradicts Future Fee Claims

The U.S. and Iran have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) guaranteeing 60 days of fee-free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as announced by President Trump's team on June 17, 2026. The agreement, however, does not rule out future transit fees, a point contradicted by Trump's earlier statements claiming permanent fee-free status. The news provided a lift to energy markets, where crude oil futures had been declining this week. Trump, on June 17, 2026, downplayed the 60-day limit, stating "common sense" would prevent future fees. Conversely, Iran's Tasnim News Agency confirmed that fees would commence after the 60-day period. Shipping data firm Kpler had predicted earlier this week that only 40% of pre-war shipping volume might resume through Hormuz within a month due to unresolved issues. The MoU also reportedly includes new uranium dilution standards, Lebanese territorial integrity assurances, and U.S. efforts to lift sanctions and unfreeze Iranian assets.