Iran escalates Hormuz tensions, threatens 45 tankers with fines and seizure

Iran has added 45 tankers to a list of vessels it says violated its rules for transiting the Strait of Hormuz, threatening fines, detention, and cargo confiscation. Tehran also promised action against anyone conducting ship-to-ship cargo transfers involving these vessels. The list includes VLCCs, LNG and LPG tankers, and refined product carriers, with ships owned by UAE's ADNOC Logistics, Saudi Arabia's Bahri, and others. The warning follows US threats of severe sanctions and Iran's pledge of a "devastating" response. The Gulf region supplied about 20% of daily global crude and LNG before the conflict disrupted traffic. US-coordinated efforts are helping restore some export volumes, with Energy Secretary Chris Wright saying over 8 million barrels per day are flowing through the strait.