Iran Blacklists 45 Oil Tankers in Strait of Hormuz

The Persian Gulf Strait Authority, a newly established Iranian government agency, blacklisted 45 oil tankers for allegedly violating trade regulations in the Strait of Hormuz. The agency warned that the affected vessels face potential cargo seizure, detention, or fines. While Iran has not disclosed the specific regulations violated, the government claims vessels must pay transit fees and obtain official approval to pass through the waterway.

The blacklist includes ships registered in Norway, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as a vessel belonging to Sinokor Merchant Marine, the third-largest shipping company in South Korea.

This action follows a period of heightened tension with the United States. President Donald Trump recently announced new sanctions against Iran and claimed the strait is American territory. In response to the regional instability, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright stated that the U.S. Navy is ensuring oil continues to flow through the strait.