Iran Names 45 Tankers on Hormuz Blacklist, Threatens Seizure

Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority published a blacklist of 45 tankers on Sunday, warning that the named tankers face fines, detention, and cargo confiscation for what it describes as violations of Strait of Hormuz transit rules.

The list covers very large crude carriers, LNG tankers, LPG carriers, and refined-product tankers. Eight of the named tankers are operated by ADNOC Logistics and Services, and several are owned by Saudi Arabia's national carrier Bahri. At least 14 of the 45 have already been struck in or near the Strait during the current conflict.

Iran broadened the threat beyond the listed tankers. Any tanker conducting ship-to-ship transfers or transhipment with a blacklisted tanker will be added to the list itself. That step widens the risk perimeter for owners and operators who might otherwise have avoided direct exposure.

Traffic through the Strait has fallen sharply. Kpler recorded 121 crossings in the most recent week, roughly 90 to 95 percent below pre-conflict levels. The Strait normally carries 17 to 21 million barrels of crude and petroleum products daily, supplying major importers across Asia and beyond.

The United States has sanctioned the Persian Gulf Strait Authority and contested the legality of its permit-and-toll system. On the same day Iran published the blacklist, Washington announced a new round of sanctions against Tehran, framed by US officials as an 'economic D-Day' intended to pressure Iran into reopening the waterway. Iran's Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council responded that the Strait would stay closed until Washington changes its conduct and lifts its naval blockade.