BEIRUT — The United States has warned global shipping companies that they may face sanctions for making payments to Iran in exchange for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, intensifying pressure in an ongoing geopolitical standoff over one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.
In an advisory issued Friday, the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control said such payments could take multiple forms, including cash, digital assets, informal financial arrangements, or in-kind contributions such as charitable donations or payments made through diplomatic channels. The warning targets what U.S. authorities describe as Iran’s practice of charging transit fees after restricting access to the strait.
The waterway, located at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, typically handles about one-fifth of global oil and natural gas shipments. Iran effectively disrupted traffic through the strait following the outbreak of hostilities with the United States and Israel on Feb. 28, using a combination of attacks and threats against commercial vessels. In subsequent weeks, Tehran reportedly offered rerouted passages closer to its coastline for a fee.
Washington responded by imposing a naval blockade on Iranian ports beginning April 13, a move aimed at limiting Tehran’s oil exports and constraining revenue flows. The U.S. Central Command said dozens of commercial vessels have been instructed to turn back since the blockade was enforced.
Separate developments have drawn attention to human rights concerns inside Iran. Imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi remains hospitalized in Zanjan after being transferred from prison under urgent conditions. Her foundation described her health status as high risk, citing unstable blood pressure and severe nausea.
According to her family, medical teams have requested additional records before initiating treatment and have recommended transferring her to Tehran for specialized care. However, authorities have reportedly not approved the transfer. Her husband, Taghi Rahmani, said further diagnostic procedures are needed to determine her condition, while her brother indicated that doctors have yet to stabilize her symptoms.
Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict remain uncertain. U.S. President Donald Trump said he was not satisfied with Iran’s latest proposal to end hostilities, signaling continued friction despite indirect negotiations facilitated through intermediaries. Iran’s state media reported that a proposal had been submitted to mediators in Pakistan.
A fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran has held for several weeks, though both sides have accused each other of violations. Discussions have continued remotely after a planned diplomatic visit was called off.
In a separate development, Iranian authorities confirmed the execution of two individuals accused of espionage for Israel. The judiciary said the convictions were upheld by the Supreme Court, while rights groups have raised concerns over due process, citing closed-door trials and limited legal recourse for defendants.
The situation in and around the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile, with implications for global energy markets and regional stability as tensions persist.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
