Iran Blacklists 45 Tankers Over Strait of Hormuz Violations

Iran has blacklisted 45 oil tankers for alleged transit violations in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions over the critical waterway six months into a regional conflict with the United States and Israel. The announcement, made by Iran's newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority, warns that the named vessels face fines, detention, and cargo confiscation, and that any ships conducting transfers with them could also be added to the list. The blacklist includes major operators from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Norway, and South Korea.