US Officials Consider Paid Naval Escort to Revive Oil Tanker Transit Through Strait of Hormuz

According to Politico, citing three individuals familiar with the discussions, officials in President Donald Trump's administration are considering plans to reactivate oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. One proposal under consideration involves offering a paid naval escort service through the waterway, termed a "VIP pass."

The report states that President Trump and White House Chief of Staff Suzie Wiles have requested officials to devise ideas to persuade ship owners to risk traversing the strait, as peace negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue, according to energy sector officials knowledgeable about these talks.

Discussions have centered on ways to convince insurance companies to provide coverage for passage through this narrow waterway, where Iran has successfully launched attacks on vessels.

One insider explained, "The president and Suzie issue explicit orders to find a solution. Except for limited exceptions, every transit through Hormuz is considered a breach of insurance plans. What can be done to encourage insurers to resume coverage?"

Washington and Tehran have signed a memorandum of understanding outlining the issues to be negotiated in the coming months, but shipping activity remains largely halted due to ship owners' fears over the fragile peace.

The newspaper noted that only a few companies have responded to this call. One idea discussed by administration officials with industry representatives is to offer ship owners the option to pay for expedited passage through the Strait of Hormuz, potentially accompanied by vessels from the US Navy.

A source told the newspaper, "There is talk about the possibility of speeding up transit procedures with military escort in exchange for a fee paid to the United States, similar to a special entry permit on board the ship. The idea is that there might be a fee for expedited passage, possibly with military accompaniment."

A former US administration official described the discussions about imposing fees on oil tankers as a negotiation tactic coinciding with the ongoing G7 summit in France, aimed at compelling European countries to increase their involvement in the region.

The official added that the United States should not bear the full burden of conducting patrols in the area alone.

He explained that the concept of the US charging fees to ships "revolves around creating space for France, Britain, and others to operate in the Gulf, assume responsibility for maritime safety and security, and establish an additional deterrent against Iran's attempts to backtrack on the agreement and use the Strait of Hormuz as a long-term extortion tool."

He confirmed, "If we return to sanctions, if the deal collapses, and if military action becomes necessary again, European naval forces are also present there."

An energy sector executive stated that one seriously considered idea involves using the Defense Production Act to compel American insurance companies to provide coverage for vessels sailing through the Strait of Hormuz.

The G7 summit is reportedly examining the establishment of new infrastructure to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.