Iran warns vessels of fines, detention over Strait of Hormuz violations

Iran has warned vessels that fail to comply with its transit rules in the Strait of Hormuz that they could face fines, detention or seizure during future crossings. The warning was issued by Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority in a statement posted on X. The authority urged companies transporting cargo to or from the Gulf to review an updated list of vessels accused of violating its rules before chartering ships. It said vessels cooperating with ships already on the list would also be added from Sunday. The measure would apply to vessels involved in ship-to-ship cargo transfers, transhipment and similar operations, it added. Vessels seeking to be removed from the list must submit a formal request outlining the grounds for their removal, according to the authority. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global energy shipments through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. Iran has said it will not tolerate any threat to its sovereignty over the strategic waterway and warned that maritime traffic would not return to normal unless the United States ends what Tehran describes as its war and blockade against Iran. In mid-June, Washington and Tehran signed a Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at halting hostilities and paving the way for negotiations on a permanent diplomatic agreement. The agreement, however, remained fragile as disputes quickly emerged over its implementation, particularly regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

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