US threatens shipping firms with sanctions if they pay Iran tolls
The US has warned shipping companies against paying Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, threatening sanctions on both US and non-US entities that comply. Iran has imposed tolls on vessels navigating the strait amid a sharp drop in maritime traffic due to regional tensions and a US naval blockade. The disruption has increased global shipping and humanitarian aid costs, particularly affecting regions like Sudan.
- ▪The US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) warned that payments to Iranian government entities for passage through the Strait of Hormuz could trigger sanctions.
- ▪Iran claims it has collected tolls from ships passing through the strait, with revenue deposited into its Central Bank, though details remain unverified.
- ▪Since the US naval blockade began on 13 April, 45 commercial ships have been turned around, and maritime traffic through the strait has dropped from about 3,000 ships monthly to just a few per day.
- ▪The UN refugee agency reported that rerouting aid shipments around Africa has doubled delivery costs and added up to 25 days in transit time.
- ▪The US and Iran entered a fragile ceasefire on 8 April, but no lasting agreement has been reached despite ongoing talks and a recent Iranian proposal delivered via Pakistan.
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US threatens shipping firms with sanctions if they pay Iran tolls5 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleTinshui YeungReutersThe number of vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped sharply, with only a handful making the journey each dayThe US has warned shipping companies they could face sanctions if they pay Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.An alert on Friday by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) warned US persons and companies were generally banned from paying Iranian government entities, and non-US persons may risk exposure to sanctions if they pay."Maritime industry participants involved with vessels calling at Iranian ports face significant sanctions risk under multiple sanctions authorities targeting Iran's shipping sector and…
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