US warns shipping companies of sanctions over Iran payments
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control warned shipping companies that payments to Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz could lead to sanctions, including payments made via cash, digital assets, or other methods.
- Iran has effectively closed the strait to normal traffic by attacking ships following the U.S. and Israel's war declaration on Feb. 28, later offering safe passage through alternative routes for fees, which the U.S. now targets with sanctions.
- The U.S. responded with a naval blockade on April 13, preventing Iranian tankers from leaving and cutting off vital oil revenue, while 45 commercial ships have been ordered to turn around since the blockade began.
- President Trump rejected Iran's recent proposal to end hostilities, citing dissatisfaction with the deal and criticizing Iran's leadership as disjointed, even as a shaky ceasefire remains in place amid ongoing negotiations.
- Iran executed two men convicted of spying for Israel, adding to a series of recent espionage-related executions, while China urged the maintenance of the ceasefire and called for resumed negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
