The Trump administration is reportedly considering a paid service that would provide U.S. Navy escorts for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, referred to as a "VIP pass" system.
According to Politico, officials in the Trump administration are discussing ways to revitalize tanker operations through the strait, including the possibility of offering U.S. Navy escorts to ships that pay a fee, ensuring expedited passage.
President Donald Trump and White House Chief of Staff Suzy Wiles have instructed officials to devise strategies to persuade shipowners to take the risk of navigating the Strait of Hormuz while peace negotiations between the U.S. and Iran continue.
Politico reports that the current focus of discussions is on insurance issues. Following Iranian attacks on vessels, insurers have been reluctant to provide coverage for transit through the Strait, preventing shipowners from resuming operations.
An anonymous source stated, "With a few limited exceptions, all transits violate insurance terms," adding that efforts are underway to encourage insurers to resume coverage. Another source noted, "There is some discussion about a system where ships would pay the U.S. for expedited escort, similar to a VIP pass concept."
Analysts suggest that imposing transit fees on tankers is a negotiation strategy to draw in European nations. A former U.S. administration official indicated that these discussions are taking place in conjunction with the ongoing G7 meeting in France, emphasizing that the U.S. should not bear the entire burden of maritime security in the Gulf region.
This official explained that the proposal aims to pressure European navies, such as those from France and the UK, to take a more active role in Gulf maritime security and to create additional deterrents against Iran reversing agreements or using the Strait as a long-term leverage point.
In March, the Trump administration began offering a $20 billion "political insurance" to shipowners considering transit through the Strait, but actual participation has been low. Shipowners have been hesitant to expose their vessels and cargo, worth millions of dollars, to risk amid Iranian missile, drone, and small boat attacks.
In April, Trump suggested that the U.S. should collect tolls for passage through the Strait, stating to reporters, "What if we charge a toll? Why not? We are the winners. We won."
There are also discussions about using the Defense Production Act (DPA) to mandate U.S.-based insurers to provide coverage for vessels passing through the Strait. However, sources who spoke to Politico indicated that no final decisions have been made regarding the ideas currently under consideration.
According to the commodity information firm Kpler, nearly 500 vessels are currently anchored in the Persian Gulf, including 220 tankers. While hostilities have largely ceased following a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the U.S. and Iran, shipowners remain cautious about navigating the Strait due to concerns over the fragility of peace.
White House Press Secretary Taylor Rogers stated, "Thanks to the excellent MOU signed by President Trump, the Strait of Hormuz will be fully open," adding, "The Trump administration expects energy transport to normalize quickly before the launch of Operation 'Epic Fury.' Reports citing anonymous sources should be regarded as unfounded speculation."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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