The United States has warned global shipping companies that they could face sanctions if they make payments to Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The alert was issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, adding pressure amid tensions between the two countries over control of the key waterway.
According to reports, Iran had disrupted regular traffic in the strait following conflict involving the United States and Israel earlier this year. It later allowed limited passage for some ships through alternate routes near its coastline, at times charging fees for the service.
The US warning focuses on these payments, describing them as part of a “tollbooth” system. The Office of Foreign Assets Control cautioned that both US and non-US entities face sanctions risks for making such payments or seeking guarantees from Iran for safe passage.
In response to Iran’s actions, the United States imposed a naval blockade on April 13, restricting Iranian oil tankers from leaving the region. The United States Central Command said that 45 commercial ships have been asked to turn back since the blockade began.
