Iran threatens 46 ships in Strait of Hormuz crackdown

Iran has threatened dozens of ships with fines, detention, or confiscation as it escalates efforts to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy shipments. The Persian Gulf Strait Authority, a regulatory body established by Tehran, announced on Sunday that 46 vessels had violated its transit protocols and would face restrictions on future passages. The warning, issued on the social media platform X, heightens risks for shipowners and charterers operating in the region.

The authority stated that cargo owners should consult an updated list of noncompliant vessels before chartering ships. Any vessel engaging in ship-to-ship transfers or transshipment with a blacklisted ship would also be added to the restricted list. Ships seeking removal from the list must submit a formal request with explanations to Iranian maritime authorities. The move represents a shift toward institutionalized enforcement, with Iran now requiring explicit transit permits and the payment of newly introduced fees for passage.

The threats come amid a standstill in diplomatic efforts to secure the waterway, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied...