US Threatens Sanctions on Vessels Paying for Hormuz Passage

The United States has warned that ships paying for passage through the Strait of Hormuz could face sanctions. The move comes amid President Trump’s remarks celebrating high‑seas piracy, which critics say undermines international maritime law.

The U.S. State Department issued the threat after reports that some vessels were paying extra fees to transit the strategic waterway. Officials said the sanctions would target companies and individuals involved in the payments, though no specific names were released.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, and the U.S. has long sought to deter any practices that could jeopardize free navigation in the region.