Iran Warns Vessels Of Fines, Detention And Confiscation For Violating Strait Of Hormuz Transit Rules

Iran has warned ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz that they could face fines, detention or confiscation if they violate its maritime rules.

The Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), which manages maritime traffic in the region, said vessels that break Iranian protocols could also face restrictions on future passages.

The PGSA also said ships working with vessels already on Iran’s Non-Compliant Vessels list could themselves be added to the list.

“Effective immediately, any vessel cooperating with listed vessels (via STS, transshipment, etc.) will be added to the list,” it said.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s key shipping routes. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil passed through the waterway before the war, making any restrictions on shipping there important for global energy markets and tanker operators.

Iran tells cargo owners to check vessel list

The PGSA has asked cargo owners shipping to and from the Persian Gulf to check its Non-Compliant Vessels list before chartering ships.

The authority said this would help operators avoid possible problems during maritime operations.

Vessels that want to be removed from the list must submit a formal application and provide reasons for their request, the PGSA said.

The authority’s warning also covers cooperation with listed vessels through ship-to-ship transfers, known as STS, and transshipment operations.

Iran plans fees for authorised ships

Iran has also announced plans to charge vessels from “authorised” countries for services provided while they pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for Iran’s National Security Commission, said Article 3 of the “Strategic Action to Ensure the Security and Progress of the Strait of Hormuz” plan had been approved.

Under the provision, ships from countries allowed to use the waterway would have to pay for services provided by Iran, state broadcaster IRIB reported.

The services include navigation, environmental assistance, refuelling under certain conditions, insurance and safety support.

Rezaei said the fees could be paid in Iranian rials or another currency accepted by Tehran.

The provision still requires full parliamentary approval, according to the source material.

US prepares new sanctions pressure

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington would announce “the single greatest financial offensive ever” against Iran on Monday.

In a post on X on Sunday evening, Bessent said, “at dawn begins an economic D-Day”, describing the measures as the “endgame” of the U.S. campaign against Tehran.

The new measures would add to U.S. sanctions already targeting Iran’s banking, energy, aviation and cryptocurrency sectors.

Bessent also warned that countries acting as financial channels for Iran could face isolation. He has previously warned of secondary sanctions against countries and companies doing business with Tehran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the expected U.S. sanctions a “desperate” move and said U.S. actions, including the blockade, would fail.

Iran warns Gulf countries

Iran has also warned Gulf countries against joining U.S. economic measures.

Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said on Saturday that countries taking part in economic restrictions against Iran would be treated as enemies.

Rezaei, a longtime military commander, became secretary of the Supreme National Security Council earlier this month.

Tehran says Hormuz remains closed

Rezaei has also said Iran considers the Strait of Hormuz closed and that it will not reopen until the United States changes its behaviour and fulfils its commitments.

“The Strait of Hormuz is closed, despite American claims, and will not open until America corrects its behaviour,” he told IRIB.

“This time, America must first fulfil its obligations,” he added.

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed control over the waterway.

Trump recently shared an image on Truth Social showing the Strait of Hormuz as “NEW US Territory”. He had shared the same image on Aug. 18 and had previously said he could claim jurisdiction over the waterway.

References: The Statesman, cnbc