US warns shippers of sanctions risk for paying Iranian tolls in Hormuz

The United States on Friday (1 May) has warned shipping companies they could face sanctions if they pay Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. 

The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), in an alert, said it is aware of Iranian threats to shipping and demands for “toll” payments to receive safe passage through the international Strait of Hormuz. 

These demands may include several payment options, including fiat currency, digital assets, offsets, informal swaps, or other in-kind payments, such as nominally charitable donations made to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, Bonyad Mostazafan, or Iranian embassy accounts.

“OFAC is issuing this alert to warn U.S. and non-U.S. persons about the sanctions risks of making these payments to, or soliciting guarantees from, the Iranian regime for safe passage. These risks exist regardless of payment method,” it said. 

OFAC added maritime industry participants involved with vessels calling at Iranian ports face significant sanctions risk under multiple sanctions authorities targeting Iran’s shipping sector and ports. 

The agency also warned that non-U.S. persons could face civil and criminal enforcement liability should such payments cause U.S. persons, such as insurers, reinsurers, and financial institutions, to violate sanctions.

Photo credit: Chris Pagan on Unsplash
Published: 4 May, 2026