Iran warns non-compliant vessels of future restrictions in Strait of Hormuz

Iran has warned that vessels violating its transit protocols in the Strait of Hormuz could face restrictions on future voyages through the strategically important waterway.

The Persian Gulf Strait Authority, which oversees maritime traffic through the strait, said in a post on X that penalties for non-compliance could include fines, detention or confiscation.

It also advised cargo owners transporting goods to and from the Persian Gulf to consult the “Non-Compliant Vessels” list on its website before chartering ships to avoid possible restrictions.

Separately, an Iranian parliamentary committee has approved a provision allowing the country to charge fees for services provided in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.

Hassan Qashqavi, spokesman for Parliament’s national security and foreign policy committee, said the provision formed part of a draft plan intended to safeguard security in the waterway.

Under the proposal, Iran would levy charges for navigation, environmental protection, insurance and safety services. Fees could also apply to refuelling assistance provided under special circumstances.

The developments follow remarks by US President Donald Trump describing the Strait of Hormuz as American territory and reiterating that Washington would not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon.

Trump made the comments at a campaign rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, while seeking support for Republican Senate candidate Darlene Graham ahead of a runoff election. He did not provide any legal or territorial basis for his assertion about the strait.

The US president also claimed that Iran was eager to reach an agreement with Washington and said efforts to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons had disrupted his domestic economic agenda.

Iran tightened restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz on 28 February, denying safe passage to vessels owned by or affiliated with Israel and the United States following joint strikes on Iranian territory.

With IANS inputs