US considers “VIP pass” system for oil tankers in Strait of Hormuz

Trump administration officials are exploring ways to revive oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, including a proposal for a fee-based “VIP pass” system that would provide naval escort through the strategic waterway, according to people familiar with the discussions cited by POLITICO.

The initiative comes as President Donald Trump and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles have pushed for solutions to encourage ship owners to resume transits amid ongoing US–Iran peace talks, sources in the energy sector said.

A key focus of the discussions has been how to restore confidence among insurance providers, many of whom have effectively stopped covering voyages through the narrow passage due to repeated attacks on vessels.

“The President and Susie are giving them explicit orders to figure something out,” said one person familiar with the discussions who was granted anonymity to describe private talks. In this context, the source added: “With limited exceptions, every transit [through Hormuz] is violating insurance plans. So what can be done to accelerate the insurers to start insuring again?”

Officials stressed that none of the ideas currently under consideration have been finalised. The urgency is underscored by data from commodity analyst firm Kpler, which estimates that nearly 500 ships, including around 220 oil tankers, are currently waiting in the Persian Gulf outside the strait, reflecting widespread caution among ship owners over the fragile security situation.

While Washington and Tehran have signed a memorandum of understanding outlining issues for future negotiation, maritime traffic has yet to recover meaningfully, as operators remain concerned that the fragile calm could quickly collapse.

“Thanks to the great MOU signed by President Trump, the Strait of Hormuz will be fully open,” White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in a statement. “The Trump Administration expects the free flow of energy will return to normal levels seen prior to the start of Operation Epic fury in short order. Anything further attributed to anonymous sources should be deemed as baseless speculation.”

Oil markets have already reacted to easing geopolitical tensions, with prices falling to around $75 per barrel as negotiations progress toward a potential long-term agreement, although levels remain elevated compared to pre-conflict benchmarks. President Trump has also publicly urged increased shipping activity, stating on June 14 that he “fully authorize[d] the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz.”

Separately, one source familiar with internal deliberations described a potential expedited passage model involving payments to the United States, saying: “There is some talk of some expedited escorted passage by paying the U.S. — like putting a VIP pass on your ship.” The concept, the source explained, envisions a system where vessels could pay a fee for faster clearance, potentially including military escort protection.

By Jeyhun Aghazada