The United States Treasury has issued a stern warning to international shipping companies, cautioning them against making any payments to Iran for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The advisory, released on Wednesday, explicitly states that such payments—whether labeled as tolls, fees, or even charitable contributions—would violate US sanctions and could result in severe penalties.
Iran's Proposal Under Scrutiny
Tehran has reportedly proposed imposing fees or tolls on vessels transiting the strategic waterway as part of broader negotiations to end hostilities with Israel and the United States. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, with about one-fifth of the world's petroleum passing through it daily.
US Stance on Sanctions Evasion
The Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) emphasized that any form of payment to Iran, including disguised charitable donations, would be considered sanctionable. Shipping firms are urged to conduct due diligence and avoid any transactions that could be interpreted as supporting the Iranian regime.
“The United States will not tolerate any efforts to circumvent our sanctions framework,” a Treasury spokesperson said. “We are monitoring the situation closely and will take action against any entity that facilitates payments to Iran under the guise of tolls or charity.”
Global Shipping Impact
Industry analysts warn that the threat of tolls could disrupt maritime traffic and increase insurance costs for vessels passing through the region. The US Navy's Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain, maintains a presence in the area to ensure freedom of navigation. However, the prospect of additional fees raises concerns about the stability of global oil supply chains.
Shipping companies are advised to review their compliance programs and consult legal experts to avoid inadvertently violating US sanctions. The Treasury has also urged allied nations to coordinate efforts to prevent Iran from leveraging the Strait for financial gain.
The development comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Iran seeking leverage in ongoing diplomatic talks. The US and its allies have repeatedly stated that they will not accept any arrangement that threatens maritime security or undermines existing sanctions regimes.
