Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Iran Threatens Hormuz Vessels With Fines and Passage Restrictions
Iran says ships using the Strait of Hormuz must follow its rules.
Ships that break the rules could be fined, detained or confiscated.
They could also lose permission to use the waterway in the future.
Ships that help vessels already on Iran’s warning list may be added to that list too.
Iran wants cargo owners to check the list before hiring ships.
Iran also says authorised ships must pay for services such as navigation, safety and environmental support.
The fees can be paid in Iranian rials or another currency accepted by Iran.
Iranian official Mohsen Rezaei says the strait will stay closed until the United States changes its behavior and meets its commitments.
Donald Trump has made a different claim, describing the waterway as United States territory.
Iran warned vessels violating its Strait of Hormuz protocols could face fines, detention, confiscation and restrictions on future passages.
Ships cooperating with vessels on Iran’s Non-Compliant Vessels list may also be added to the list immediately.
Iran urged cargo owners shipping to or from the Persian Gulf to check the list before chartering vessels.
Iran said vessels from authorised countries must pay for navigation, environmental, refueling, insurance and safety services.
Iran says the strait remains closed, while Donald Trump has claimed it is United States territory.
- Who
- Iran’s maritime authority, Iranian security officials, cargo owners, vessels using the Strait of Hormuz, and United States President Donald Trump.
- What
- Iran announced penalties and possible future passage restrictions for vessels violating its protocols, and said authorised vessels must pay service fees.
- When
- The announcements were made on Saturday, Sunday and Monday; the rule covering cooperation with listed vessels took effect immediately.
- Where
- The Strait of Hormuz and shipping routes to and from the Persian Gulf.
- Why
- Iran said the measures address maritime, environmental, logistical and security services and are connected to escalating tensions with the United States.
Iran’s stated position
United States position as reported
Status of the strait
Iran’s stated position
Iranian officials say the Strait of Hormuz is closed and will not reopen until the United States fulfills its commitments and changes its behavior.
United States position as reported
Donald Trump has claimed that the Strait of Hormuz is United States territory.
Authority over shipping
Iran’s stated position
Iran says vessels must follow its transit protocols, may face penalties for violations and may have to pay for services provided in the waterway.
United States position as reported
The reports describe Trump’s claim of United States control but do not provide details of a separate American policy on Iran’s vessel rules or fees.
Access and security
Iran’s stated position
Iran said it barred safe passage for vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States after joint strikes on Iranian territory on February 28.
United States position as reported
Trump said Iran must not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon and referred to negotiations and United States involvement in the conflict.
- Possible penalties
- Fines, detention, confiscation and restrictions on future passages.
- Non-compliant vessels
- Vessels cooperating through ship-to-ship transfers or transshipment with listed vessels may also be added to Iran’s list.
- List removal
- Vessels seeking removal must submit a formal application with justifications to Iran’s maritime authority.
- Service fees
- Iran says authorised ships may be charged for navigation, environmental, refueling, insurance, safety and other services.
- Payment currencies
- Fees may be paid in Iranian rials or another currency accepted by Iran.
- Iranian position
- Mohsen Rezaei said the Strait of Hormuz remains closed until the United States fulfills commitments and changes its behavior.
- Contrasting claim
- Donald Trump described the Strait of Hormuz as “NEW US Territory,” without explaining the legal or territorial basis.
- Authority naming
- The articles use the acronym PGSA but expand it differently: Persian Gulf Strait Authority in one report and Ports and Maritime Organisation in another.
