Iran blacklists 45 tankers in Hormuz

Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) blacklisted 45 tankers for allegedly violating Iranian transit rules in the Strait of Hormuz, threatening fines, detention, and cargo confiscation. The list includes vessels owned by Ventura Logistics Services, Navig8 Tankers, Bahri, Klaveness Ship Management, Stolt Tankers, and Sinokor. The PGSA warned that vessels involved in ship-to-ship transfers with blacklisted ships could also be added. Separately, Iran's parliament committee approved a draft article to charge fees for navigation, environmental, refueling, insurance, and safety services in the strait. This escalation follows US threats of 'the toughest sanctions in history' and comes as the US Treasury prepares to broaden secondary sanctions on Iran. The US Navy is coordinating tanker movements to maintain oil flows, with Energy Secretary Chris Wright reporting over 8 million barrels per day leaving the strait. Iran's currency hit a record low ahead of the expected US announcement. The conflict, ongoing for six months, has disrupted Gulf energy exports, which previously supplied about 20% of global daily crude oil and LNG.