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 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 Suzi Wiles have instructed officials to devise strategies to persuade shipowners to take the risk of navigating through 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 attacks on vessels by Iran, insurers have become reluctant to provide coverage for transit through 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, "The idea of paying the U.S. for expedited escort services is being discussed, akin to attaching a VIP pass to vessels."
Some 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 are taking place in conjunction with the G7 meeting currently underway 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, including those from France and the UK, to take a more active role in Gulf maritime security and to create additional deterrence 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 risks 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 that U.S.-based insurers provide coverage for vessels transiting the Strait. However, sources who spoke to Politico indicated that no final decisions have been made on any of the ideas currently under consideration.
According to commodity information firm Kpler, nearly 500 vessels are currently anchored in the Persian Gulf, of which 220 are oil tankers. Although 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 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. The Trump administration expects energy transport to normalize quickly before the launch of the 'Epic Fury' operation. Reports citing anonymous sources should be regarded as unfounded speculation."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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