The United States has formally prohibited any agreements with Iran for safe transit through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, even in cases where no tolls are involved. The policy, announced by the U.S. Treasury Department on May 29, underscores the ongoing escalation between Washington and Tehran.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime corridor linking the Persian Gulf to global energy markets, has seen a significant reduction in shipping traffic since the Iran conflict began on February 28. This slowdown has contributed to a sharp rise in oil prices, further straining global energy markets.
New Restrictions Imposed
Iran recently established the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), a body tasked with collecting tolls and managing vessel transit through the strait. The U.S. Treasury has designated the PGSA as a sanctioned entity under counterterrorism authorities, warning that any dealings with the organization carry severe sanctions risks.
‘Regardless of whether a payment is made, US persons are prohibited from receiving services from the Government of Iran, including services related to a guarantee of safe passage,’ the Treasury stated.
The White House has sent mixed signals on the possibility of a deal with Iran, reflecting the complexities of the ongoing conflict. Despite the restrictions, some non-Iranian oil tankers have managed to navigate the strait, albeit in limited numbers. Approximately one-quarter of the vessels trapped in the Persian Gulf at the outbreak of the war have successfully exited, often through stealthy maneuvers.
The U.S. policy reinforces its stance against engaging with Iranian entities, particularly those linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has been implicated in regional destabilization efforts.