Treasury says Iran's Hormuz 'charity' toll still triggers sanctions and so do other payment methods

WASHINGTON, DC: The United States Department of the Treasury, on Friday, May 1, issued a stark warning to the maritime industry, cautioning that any payments to Iran for passage through the Strait of Hormuz could trigger sanctions.

The advisory, released by its sanctions arm, signals a tougher stance as tensions linger.

With reports of vessels being asked to pay for safe transit, Washington is drawing a hard line on what it views as prohibited dealings.

Treasury draws red line over 'tolls' to Iran

At the center of the warning is a detailed alert from the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, which explicitly cautions shipping firms against engaging in any form of payment tied to Iranian demands.

“Paying ‘tolls’ to the Iranian regime for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz may result in sanctions exposure,” the agency said, laying out the risks in direct terms.

Officials went further, warning that such payments may not always be straightforward.

According to the advisory, Iran could seek compensation through multiple channels, including “fiat currency, digital assets, offsets, informal swaps, or other in-kind payments.”

The alert even flagged indirect methods, noting that seemingly benign transactions such as “nominally charitable donations” to entities like the Iranian Red Crescent could fall under scrutiny if linked to securing transit.

In a clear signal of enforcement intent, the department added: “Treasury will not hesitate to take action against those supporting Iran’s military, including through ‘toll’ payments.”

Mounting pressure in the Strait of Hormuz

The warning comes amid rising concerns over access to the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but essential route for global energy shipments.

Multiple reports have suggested that some vessels have already paid substantial sums to ensure safe passage, though officials have not confirmed specific cases.

Washington’s position is that any such payments could violate longstanding sanctions prohibiting transactions with the Iranian government, regardless of how they are structured.

The issue has also drawn sharp reactions from top officials. President Donald Trump previously warned Iran to abandon the idea, while Marco Rubio described the toll system as “illegal” and “dangerous for the world.”

Efforts to stabilize the situation have so far produced limited progress. Iranian proposals tied to reopening shipping lanes have been rejected by Washington, which continues to push for better concessions.