The United States has issued a fresh warning to international shipping companies, advising them against paying tolls or making "donations" to Iranian authorities while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The advisory comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with Iranian state media reporting that Tehran has put forward a new peace proposal to Washington.
According to the warning, payments to Iran could be perceived as supporting destabilizing activities and may expose companies to legal risks. The U.S. government reiterated its commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation in the critical waterway, through which a significant portion of global oil supplies passes.
The Strait of Hormuz has been a flashpoint for years, with Iran periodically threatening to disrupt shipping in response to sanctions or geopolitical disputes. The latest U.S. directive aims to deter any financial flows that could bolster Iran's regional influence or military capabilities.