The U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control warned that shipping companies paying Iran tolls for transiting the Strait of Hormuz face punitive sanctions.

This directive targets the financial lifelines of the Iranian government by attempting to block revenue streams from one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints. By extending the threat of sanctions to all nationalities, the U.S. aims to isolate Iran further and disrupt its ability to fund maritime activities.

According to the notice released on Oct. 1 [1], the sanctions apply regardless of the company's nationality. The Treasury Department specified that the method of payment does not exempt a firm from penalty. The notice listed cash, digital assets, offset transactions, unofficial swaps, and in-kind payments as triggers for sanctions [2].

Officials said that companies could also face sanctions if they request guarantees from Iran that they will not be attacked during transit [3]. The policy is designed to increase pressure on Iran and deter any entity from providing revenue to the state through transit fees [4].

Shipping firms operating in the region now face a dilemma between paying for perceived security or risking the severe financial consequences of U.S. sanctions. Because the Strait of Hormuz is a primary route for global oil and cargo, these restrictions could impact logistics and insurance costs for international fleets.

Treasury officials said that any transaction with Iran regarding these tolls makes a company a target for sanctions [5].

“The sanctions apply regardless of the company's nationality.”

This move signals an escalation in the U.S. strategy to employ 'maximum pressure' via financial warfare. By explicitly including digital assets and swaps, the U.S. is closing loopholes that companies often use to bypass traditional banking sanctions. This creates a high-risk environment for global shipping, as the U.S. is effectively claiming jurisdiction over any entity—regardless of its home country—that engages in these specific financial transactions with Iran.