The U.S. Treasury Department issued a new alert warning that payments to Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz could expose companies and financial institutions to sanctions, highlighting escalating risks for global shipping amid ongoing tensions.
- The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said Iran is demanding “toll” payments for vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz
- Payments may include cash, digital assets, swaps, or in-kind transfers such as donations to Iranian-linked organizations
- U.S. persons are broadly prohibited from engaging in transactions with the Iranian government or the IRGC
- Non-U.S. entities could face secondary sanctions, including restricted access to the U.S. financial system
- OFAC warned that engaging with Iranian digital asset exchanges may also trigger sanctions exposure
- Maritime service providers are urged to conduct enhanced due diligence on vessels transiting the region
- The alert notes vessels entering Iranian ports may also be subject to U.S. naval enforcement measures
- The guidance comes as tensions disrupt one of the world’s most critical oil and shipping corridors
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Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. This article may be updated as more details become available.
