Key facts
- Iran has blacklisted 45 oil, LNG, LPG, and product tankers for violating its rules in the Strait of Hormuz.
- The blacklisted vessels face potential fines, detention, and cargo confiscation.
- Ships engaging in ship-to-ship transfers with these tankers are also at risk of being listed.
- The action escalates tensions as the US prepares new economic measures against Iran.
- Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is significantly depressed, estimated at 90% below pre-war levels.
- Iranian crude shipments to Asia have reportedly ceased prior to the announcement of new US sanctions.
Iran has escalated its standoff with the United States by blacklisting 45 oil, LNG, LPG, and product tankers that it claims violated its maritime rules in the Strait of Hormuz. The move, which threatens fines, detention, and cargo confiscation, comes as Washington prepares to announce new economic measures against Tehran. Traffic through the vital waterway has plummeted, with estimates suggesting it is 90% below pre-war levels. The blacklist includes vessels linked to major shipping companies from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. This action follows Iran's previous threats to block oil exports from the Persian Gulf and occurs as Iranian crude shipments to Asia have reportedly ceased. Iranian leaders have previously acknowledged the severe economic strain caused by US sanctions, citing a 35% drop in trade.