. 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, comes amid rising tensions over control of the strategic waterway. Watch Iran Defies US Warships? Satellite Images Show ‘OIL TANKERS LOADING’ At Kharg; ‘NOTHING CAN STOP…’The Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of global oil and natural gas trade typically passes in peacetime, has been heavily disrupted. Iran has effectively restricted normal traffic after attacking and threatening ships following strikes launched by US and Israel on February 28.Iran later began offering some vessels safe passage by rerouting them closer to its shoreline and charging fees for the service. The US described this system as a “tollbooth” arrangement and said the payments are now the focus of its sanctions warning.The Office of Foreign Assets Control said payment demands could include cash, digital assets, offsets, informal swaps, in-kind payments, charitable donations, or payments at Iranian embassies. It added, “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,” it said.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 said 45 commercial ships have been ordered to turn around since the blockade began.The escalation has further strained global energy markets, pushing up prices and causing shortages linked to oil supply routes passing through the region.As tensions continue, US President Donald Trump also 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 Friday at the White House. He also said, “It’s a very disjointed leadership,” and added, “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.About the AuthorTOI World DeskAt TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPune: 4-Year-Old Girl Allegedly Sexually Assaulted and Murdered by 65 Year-Old-Man in Bhor‘No Further Orders Necessary’: SC Bench Rejects TMC Plea On Counting StaffFormer Diplomats React To Bangladesh Summoning Indian Envoy Over Assam CM Himanta’s Remarks‘Stop Poking Nose In India’s Internal Affairs’: JKSA Slams Pakistan Over Jamia Protest RemarksDelhi, Dhaka Move To Resume Full-Scale Visa Services Amid Ties ResetFuel Prices May Go Up Soon As Oil Firms Face Losses Amid Global Crude SpikeNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway Travel123Photostories8 black superfoods you should add to your diet todayDog breeds that can survive in Australian climate5 European cities where food is cheaper than you thinkWhat is over-parenting? 4 signs you might be doing it without realisingInside Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh’s Rs 70 crore Worli bungalow: Deeply sentimental interiors and artistic glass windowsSiberian Husky: 7 reasons why this dog breed is good for Indian familyQuote of the day by Princess Diana: Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for youHow to make thick mango shake at homeBeetroot juice isn’t for everyone: Hidden side effects and why you should avoid it10 elegant baby names inspired by gemstones123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingUS Germany relationsBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap
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, comes amid rising tensions over control of the strategic waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of global oil and natural gas trade typically passes in peacetime, has been heavily disrupted. Iran has effectively restricted normal traffic after attacking and threatening ships following strikes launched by US and Israel on February 28.Iran later began offering some vessels safe passage by rerouting them closer to its shoreline and charging fees for the service. The US described this system as a “tollbooth” arrangement and said the payments are now the focus of its sanctions warning.The Office of Foreign Assets Control said payment demands could include cash, digital assets, offsets, informal swaps, in-kind payments, charitable donations, or payments at Iranian embassies. It added, “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,” it said.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 said 45 commercial ships have been ordered to turn around since the blockade began.The escalation has further strained global energy markets, pushing up prices and causing shortages linked to oil supply routes passing through the region.As tensions continue, US President Donald Trump also 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 Friday at the White House. He also said, “It’s a very disjointed leadership,” and added, “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.
