Iranian authorities have blacklisted 45 oil tankers for violating transit regulations in the Strait of Hormuz [1].
The move signals escalating tension in one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints. By targeting vessels from multiple nations, Iran is demonstrating its ability to disrupt regional shipping as a tool of geopolitical leverage.
The Persian Gulf Shipping Agency (PGSA), a newly created entity, said the measures were announced Monday [1]. The blacklist includes a variety of vessels, such as super-tankers, LNG carriers, LPG carriers, and oil product carriers [1]. Among those penalized are five vessels owned by South Korea's Sinokor, also known as Janggeum Shipping [1].
Other affected owners include state shipping firms from Saudi Arabia and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company of the UAE [1]. Iranian authorities said any vessel engaging in transshipping with the blacklisted tankers will also face penalties [1]. These penalties may include fines or the seizure of cargo [1].
Tehran said the action was a response to what it called destructive retaliation by the U.S. [1]. This follows the announcement of the strongest sanctions ever imposed by the U.S. against the Iranian government [1].
The PGSA now holds jurisdiction over the transit regulations within the Strait of Hormuz [1]. The agency has not specified the exact nature of the regulatory breaches committed by the 45 vessels [1].
“Iran blacklisted 45 tankers that breached Strait of Hormuz transit rules.”
This escalation reflects the use of maritime regulation as a strategic weapon in the ongoing standoff between Iran and the US. By targeting tankers from South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, Iran is expanding the pressure beyond US interests to include key regional and global trading partners. The creation of the PGSA suggests a more formalized, institutional approach to controlling the Strait of Hormuz, which could lead to increased shipping costs and insurance premiums for global energy markets.
