The Trump administration is putting U.S. shipping interests on notice, warning that companies could face sanctions if they are found paying tolls to Iran for passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
The advisory, issued Friday by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, makes clear that American entities are broadly prohibited from engaging in transactions with the Iranian government. That includes paying for services—such as safe passage—unless specifically authorized.
According to the guidance, U.S. officials are aware that Iran has demanded payments from vessels seeking to move through the waterway. While the agency did not confirm whether U.S. companies have made such payments, reports indicate that some ships have paid as much as $2 million in toll fees since the conflict involving Iran escalated on Feb. 28.
The situation reflects the growing strain around one of the world’s most important energy corridors. The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant share of global oil traffic, and disruptions there can quickly ripple through the global economy—something American consumers are already feeling.
Iranian officials have signaled plans to formalize the tolling system. A representative from the country’s oil and petrochemical exporters’ union said earlier this month that Tehran would impose a fee of $1 per barrel on tankers transiting the strait. Under the proposal, ships would be required to notify Iranian authorities of their cargo and could then opt to pay the fee, including through cryptocurrency such as bitcoin.
President Donald Trump responded sharply to the idea, warning Iran that it “better stop now.” At one point, he floated the possibility of a joint tolling arrangement between the United States and Iran, though tensions between the two countries remain high.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also weighed in, calling the proposed toll system “illegal” and “dangerous for the world,” underscoring concerns that such measures could destabilize global trade and set a troubling precedent.
The warnings come amid a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran. While hostilities have paused, both sides remain far apart on key issues. The U.S. has rejected multiple Iranian proposals, including a recent offer that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting the American naval blockade of Iranian ports and vessels.
The Trump administration, for its part, has insisted that Iran make further concessions related to its nuclear program. Iranian officials continue to maintain that their program is intended for peaceful purposes, leaving the two sides at an impasse.
Trump acknowledged Friday that he is not satisfied with the current state of negotiations, saying he wants to “win by a bigger margin.” His comments suggest that, despite the ceasefire, the administration is not yet prepared to ease pressure.
Meanwhile, the economic impact of the standoff is becoming increasingly visible at home. With the strait effectively constrained, energy prices have surged. According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of gas climbed to $4.39 on Friday, a sharp increase in just a single day.
The administration also announced that, for the purposes of the War Powers Resolution, the conflict has been considered “terminated” following the ceasefire. Under the 1973 law, presidents are limited to a 60-day deployment window after notifying Congress of an imminent threat, with a possible 30-day extension for withdrawal. Trump formally notified lawmakers on March 2, making Friday the 60-day mark.
Even as the legal clock resets, the broader situation remains unsettled. The standoff in the Strait of Hormuz is a reminder that conflicts abroad often carry consequences far beyond the battlefield, shaping markets, policy decisions, and everyday costs back home.
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