The United States has issued a warning to shipping companies that they could face sanctions if they make payments to Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The alert, released on Friday by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), comes amid escalating tensions over control of the strategic waterway.
Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz, which in peacetime typically handles about one-fifth of global oil and natural gas trade, has been heavily disrupted. Iran has effectively restricted normal traffic after attacking and threatening ships following strikes launched by the US and Israel on February 28.
In response, Iran began offering safe passage to some vessels by rerouting them closer to its coastline and charging fees for this service. The US has described this system as a "tollbooth" arrangement and has now made these payments the focus of its sanctions warning.
Details of the Sanctions Warning
OFAC stated that payment demands could include cash, digital assets, offsets, informal swaps, in-kind payments, charitable donations, or payments at Iranian embassies. The agency warned, "OFAC is issuing this alert to warn US and non-US persons about the sanctions risks of making these payments to, or soliciting guarantees from, the Iranian regime for safe passage. These risks exist regardless of payment method."
In response to Iran's actions, the US imposed a naval blockade on April 13, preventing Iranian tankers from leaving and cutting off oil revenue. The US Central Command reported that 45 commercial ships have been ordered to turn around since the blockade began.
Impact on Global Energy Markets
The escalation has further strained global energy markets, pushing up prices and causing shortages linked to oil supply routes passing through the region.
US President Rejects Iran's Proposal
Amid the tensions, US President Donald Trump rejected Iran's latest proposal to end the conflict. "They want to make a deal, I'm not satisfied with it, so we'll see what happens," Trump said on Friday at the White House. He also remarked, "It's a very disjointed leadership," adding, "They all want to make a deal, but they're all messed up."
Iran's state-run IRNA news agency reported that the proposal was delivered to mediators in Pakistan on Thursday night. Talks between the two sides have continued through indirect channels, even as both accuse each other of violating a fragile ceasefire.
