OFAC Alert: Sanctions Risks of Iranian Demands for Strait of Hormuz Passage

May 1, 2026

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is aware of Iranian threats to shipping and demands for “toll” payments to receive safe passage through the international Strait of Hormuz. These demands may include several payment options, including fiat currency, digital assets, offsets, informal swaps, or other in-kind payments, such as nominally charitable donations made to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, Bonyad Mostazafan, or Iranian embassy accounts. OFAC is issuing this alert to warn U.S. and non-U.S. persons about the sanctions risks of making these payments to, or soliciting guarantees from, the Iranian regime for safe passage. These risks exist regardless of payment method. 

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