Iran has blacklisted 45 tankers accused of violating its rules for crossing the Strait of Hormuz and warned that vessels conducting ship-to-ship transfers with them could also face penalties.
The Persian Gulf Strait Authority, a newly established Iranian body overseeing the waterway, said the listed vessels could be fined, detained and have their cargoes confiscated. The blacklist includes very large crude carriers, LNG and LPG tankers and clean-product vessels.
Iran did not specify which rules had been breached, but has previously said shipowners must obtain clearance to transit the strait and pay for security and other services.
The warning comes amid escalating tensions with the United States, which has threatened tougher sanctions against Iran and imposed a naval blockade on Iran-related shipping. Iran said any response to further U.S. threats would be “devastating.”
The authority said vessels seeking removal from the blacklist must submit requests and explanations to Iranian maritime authorities.