The United States has warned that any ship that pays a toll to Iran for passage through the Strait of Hormuz could face serious consequences, including sanctions.
The warning was issued on Friday by the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which is responsible for enforcing US economic and trade sanctions.
According to OFAC, making any payment to Iran in exchange for safe passage through the strait could put both US and foreign individuals, companies, and shipping operators at risk of penalties.
The agency stressed that it does not matter how the payment is made, as all forms of payment could attract sanctions.
It explained that such toll demands could come in different forms. These include cash payments, digital currencies like cryptocurrency, trade arrangements, informal exchanges, or even indirect payments such as donations to organisations like the Iranian Red Crescent Society.
OFAC also made it clear that existing US restrictions on Iranian ports and maritime activities are still fully in place. This means that any involvement with such payments could be seen as a violation of US sanctions laws.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes, especially for global oil supply.
Any disruption in the area often affects international trade and energy prices.
This latest warning comes at a time when shipping activity in the strait has slowed down significantly due to ongoing tensions in the region.
Although there is an ongoing ceasefire between the United States and Iran, there is still no clear agreement on how to end the conflict or fully reopen the vital waterway.
As uncertainty continues, global shipping companies are expected to remain cautious while monitoring developments closely.
