US Treasury Warns Shippers of Sanctions for Paying Iran to Cross Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, carries roughly one‑fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Its strategic importance makes any disruption a global concern.

The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued an alert stating that any payment—whether cash, digital currency, in‑kind goods, or a donation to Iranian charities—made to Iran for passage through the strait poses a sanctions risk. OFAC emphasized that the risk exists regardless of the payment method, and it applies to both U.S. persons and foreign entities.

Washington’s warning arrives as a U.S. naval blockade of the strait entered its third week, following stalled ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran. Iranian officials have repeatedly suggested charging tolls or “donations” to vessels, proposals the United States has consistently rejected.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly reiterated that former President Donald Trump maintains a policy that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon. She added that negotiations continue to protect U.S. national security, though the administration declined to confirm receipt of a new Iranian ceasefire proposal.

The advisory lists potential payment forms, including fiat currency, digital assets, offsets, informal swaps, and charitable contributions to groups such as the Iranian Red Crescent Society or the Bonyad Mostazafan foundation. Both the Iranian government and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps remain under U.S. sanctions, meaning any transaction could be deemed a violation.

For shippers, the warning translates into a compliance imperative: avoid any direct or indirect payment to Iranian entities for Hormuz transit. Companies must scrutinize invoices, third‑party intermediaries, and even charitable donations that could be linked to the Iranian regime.

The broader implication is heightened operational risk for the energy trade. With about 20% of global oil and LNG flow dependent on the strait, any disruption or legal penalty could ripple through fuel prices and supply chains worldwide.

Watch for further diplomatic signals from Washington and Tehran, and monitor any changes to the naval presence in the strait that could affect shipping routes.