The United States has issued a firm warning to Iran and Oman, stating it will not tolerate any attempts to impose a tolling system in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that Washington would aggressively target any entities, direct or indirect, involved in facilitating such tolls.
The warning comes as the US announced fresh sanctions targeting Iran's military oil trade, even amidst a tentative agreement between Washington and Tehran to extend a ceasefire and reopen the strait for shipping. Bessent specifically cautioned Oman, stating, "Oman, in particular, should know that the US Treasury will aggressively target any actors involved – directly or indirectly – in facilitating tolls for the Strait and any willing partners will be penalized." He underscored the global imperative for all nations to reject Iran's efforts to disrupt free commerce.
New Sanctions Target Iranian Oil Network
The latest US sanctions aim to curb Iran's ability to fund its armed forces through oil revenue. The Treasury Department blacklisted eight vessels involved in transporting Iranian crude oil and petroleum products, including the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker Flora, the Comoros-flagged crude oil tanker Hauncayo, and the Panama-flagged tanker Ill Gap.
Additionally, over 15 entities were sanctioned, among them Worth Seen Energy Limited in Hong Kong, Symphony Shipping and Maritime Management Inc in Dubai, and Mehdiyev Trading Co in Hong Kong. These entities are accused of utilizing the Iranian armed forces' oil sales infrastructure to acquire petroleum products, with Worth Seen specifically identified as procuring refined products for the National Iranian Oil Company on behalf of Sepehr Energy Jahan, an already sanctioned oil sales arm of Iran's Armed Forces General Staff.
Hormuz: A Critical Global Chokepoint
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, is a crucial chokepoint through which approximately 20% of the world's oil and gas supplies typically pass. Disruptions in this strait have historically triggered significant volatility in global energy markets.
Secretary Bessent's strong statement also referenced past tensions. While former President Donald Trump had previously made more aggressive threats concerning Oman's conduct in the strait, Bessent downplayed those remarks, clarifying that Trump's intent was to "punctuate freedom of navigation." Bessent confirmed he spoke with the Omani ambassador, who assured him there were no plans to toll the strait, a proposal Bessent declared a "non-starter."
Ceasefire Deal and Trump's Stance
The US actions unfold amidst reports of a potential 60-day ceasefire extension and the reopening of Hormuz, part of a broader truce deal. However, President Donald Trump indicated he had not yet formally approved the ceasefire agreement in the conflict that the US and Israel reportedly initiated on February 28. Speaking at a White House cabinet meeting, Trump stated, "We're not satisfied with it, but we will be. We will be either that or we'll have to just finish the job."