Iran blacklists 45 tankers in Strait of Hormuz, threatens fines and cargo seizure

Iran has blacklisted 45 tankers for allegedly violating its rules in the Strait of Hormuz, threatening fines, detention, and cargo seizure, escalating tensions over the strategic waterway. The Persian Gulf Strait Authority published the list on X late Sunday, warning that vessels conducting ship-to-ship transfers with blacklisted tankers may also be targeted. Ships from UAE's ADNOC, Saudi Arabia's Bahri, and other international operators are included. The move comes as Washington prepares new sanctions against Tehran. Iran has previously required ships to obtain approval and pay fees for passage through the strait, a critical global energy artery.