The United States has warned shipping companies that they could face sanctions if they make payments to Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The alert, issued Friday by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), comes amid rising tensions in the region.
The advisory specifically targets any payments or services provided to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) or its affiliates, which the US designates as a foreign terrorist organization. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, with about 20% of the world's petroleum passing through it daily.
According to the OFAC notice, shipping companies that pay fees to Iran for transit through the strait could be subject to US sanctions, including asset freezes and legal penalties. The US has previously imposed sanctions on entities involved in Iranian oil sales and shipping.
Iran has not officially commented on the US warning. The move is part of broader US efforts to pressure Iran over its nuclear program and regional activities. The Strait of Hormuz has been a flashpoint in US-Iran tensions, with past incidents including ship seizures and attacks.
