US warns shippers against paying Strait of Hormuz tolls, ‘donations’ | US-Israel war on Iran News
U.S. Issues Warning Amid Ongoing Strait of Hormuz Tensions
The United States has issued a warning to shipping companies, stating that those paying tolls or fees to Iran for transit through the Strait of Hormuz may face sanctions. This advisory, released on Friday, coincides with a prolonged U.S. naval blockade of the strategic waterway, which has now entered its third week, following stalled ceasefire negotiations with Iran.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has characterized the blockade as “intolerable,” emphasizing the impact on the country’s ports. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical conduit for approximately 20% of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
Iran’s control over this vital passageway has become a focal point since the onset of U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran on February 28. Previous proposals from Iran included the suggestion of charging fees for vessels seeking to navigate the strait, a notion that Washington has dismissed.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) warned that Iran might offer payments to shippers in various forms, including fiat currency, digital assets, and charitable donations to organizations such as the Iranian Red Crescent Society. The advisory emphasized that these payments—as well as any guarantees sought from Iran for safe passage—present significant sanctions risks.
Both the Iranian government and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) remain under U.S. sanctions.
This advisory was issued shortly after reports from Iranian state media indicated that Tehran has submitted a new proposal for a lasting ceasefire to the Trump administration. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly did not confirm the receipt of this proposal, stating, “We do not detail private diplomatic conversations.” She reiterated President Trump’s position that Iran must not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons, affirming that negotiations are ongoing to ensure U.S. national security.
Since a tentative agreement to pause hostilities on April 7, both sides have largely abided by the ceasefire, although Trump has threatened to resume military actions amid the stalled talks. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran remains open to negotiations, provided the U.S. modifies its “expansionist approach” and “threatening rhetoric.”
