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 oil tanker operations through the Strait of Hormuz, including a proposal to guarantee expedited passage for vessels that pay a fee for U.S. Navy protection.
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 amid ongoing peace negotiations between the U.S. and Iran.
Politico reported that the current focus of discussions is on insurance issues. Following Iranian attacks on vessels, insurers have been reluctant to provide coverage for ships operating in the Strait, which has deterred 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 oil tankers is a negotiation strategy to draw in European nations. A former U.S. administration official indicated that these discussions align 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" policy to shipowners considering transit through the Strait, but actual participation has been low. Shipowners have been hesitant to risk their vessels and cargo, valued in the millions of dollars, amid Iranian missile, drone, and small boat attacks.
In April, Trump suggested that the U.S. should charge a toll 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 that U.S.-based insurers provide coverage for ships passing through the Strait. However, sources who spoke to Politico indicated that no final decisions have been made regarding the ideas currently under discussion.
According to commodity information firm Kpler, nearly 500 vessels are currently anchored in the Persian Gulf, including 220 oil tankers. While hostilities have largely ceased since the U.S. and Iran agreed to a memorandum of understanding (MOU), shipowners remain cautious about navigating the Strait due to concerns over fragile 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 transportation to normalize quickly before the launch of Operation 'Epic Fury.' Reports citing anonymous sources should be regarded as baseless speculation."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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