US threatens shipping firms with sanctions if they pay Iran tolls

The United States Treasury Department has warned international shipping firms that paying

The Panama Canal has become a focal point of escalating US-China tensions, with both nations accusing each other of politicizing global shipping. The US and its regional allies claim China has detained Panama-linked ships, calling it a deliberate attempt to manipulate maritime trade. China has vehemently denied these accusations, labeling them hypocritical and accusing the US of undermining sovereignty. Analysts warn that any disruption to the canal could significantly impact global trade, causing supply bottlenecks and market volatility. This dispute occurs amid heightened tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting a broader trend of major powers contesting control of vital shipping lanes and potentially challenging existing maritime laws.

At a Florida rally on Friday, Donald Trump compared US Navy

Pakistan has opened six overland transit routes to Iran to facilitate trade amid disruptions caused by US-Iran tensions and a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The initiative, formalized on April 25, 2026, allows goods from third countries to be transported through Pakistan to Iran by road, addressing the issue of thousands of stranded containers at Karachi port. These routes connect Pakistan's major ports, including Karachi and Gwadar, with Iranian border crossings in Balochistan. The move aims to promote regional trade and position Pakistan as a key trade corridor. The announcement occurred during Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's visit to Islamabad, where Pakistan is seeking to mediate an end to the conflict between the US and Iran. The transit order does not include Indian-origin goods.

Iran's UN envoy stated that guarantees against attacks and full respect for Iran's rights are necessary for stability in the Persian Gulf. This comes as the White House is reviewing a proposal from Iran, delivered via Pakistan, aimed at unblocking the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal outlines Iran's "red lines" on nuclear issues and the vital waterway, through which a significant portion of global oil and LNG supplies normally pass. The news follows a two-month internet blackout in Iran, which has now entered its 60th day. US President Donald Trump met with security advisors to discuss Iran's written messages.

The US military, through CENTCOM, announced it will blockade all Iranian ports starting Monday, April 13th, at 10 am Eastern Time, impacting all maritime traffic entering or exiting. This action follows unsuccessful peace talks in Pakistan and aims to exert pressure on Tehran. While the blockade targets vessels of all nations using Iranian ports, CENTCOM stated it will not impede vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports. Iran has warned that any approaching military vessels will be breaching the ceasefire. The announcement has already impacted oil prices, with US crude jumping 8 percent. The blockade comes after Iran effectively took control of the Strait of Hormuz following the start of war with the US and Israel on February 28th.

The U.S. Navy has implemented a sea blockade against Iran, halting economic trade in and out of the country by sea, beginning Monday, according to U.S. Central Command. The blockade, enforced in the Gulf of Oman beyond the Strait of Hormuz, applies to all vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports, regardless of nationality. U.S. forces are intercepting vessels after they leave Iranian facilities and clear the Strait of Hormuz, forcing them to turn around. Shipping data indicates that Iran-linked or sanctioned vessels have altered course, stopping or turning around after leaving the Gulf. The U.S. military is using various methods beyond standard tracking beacons to identify ships originating from Iranian ports.

Despite a newly imposed US blockade on ships calling at Iranian ports, at least three tankers transited the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. These vessels were not heading to Iran and therefore not directly affected by the blockade. One tanker, the Panama-flagged Peace Gulf, is transporting Iranian naphtha to the UAE. Two US-sanctioned tankers, Murlikishan and Rich Starry, also passed through the strait. Murlikishan is heading to Iraq to load fuel oil, while Rich Starry, sanctioned for dealing with Iran, exited the Gulf carrying methanol after loading cargo in the UAE. The US blockade was announced after failed peace talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan.

A Chinese tanker, the Rich Starry, retreated twice in 48 hours from the Strait of Hormuz, where a US naval blockade is in effect. The vessel, which is sanctioned by the US and flies the flag of Malawi, initially approached the strait on Monday after departing from the UAE, but turned back shortly before entering. On Tuesday, it entered the Gulf of Oman before making a U-turn and anchoring near Iran's Larak Island by Wednesday evening. The Rich Starry is reportedly carrying approximately 250,000 barrels of methanol acquired in the UAE. Analysts suggest that the incident reflects the risks commercial vessels face due to the blockade, with no ships receiving preferential treatment.

The article discusses the possibility of a US blockade of Iran, focusing on its feasibility and potential advantages over other military actions. According to retired US Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery, a blockade of vessels entering and exiting the Gulf is achievable and less risky than directly confronting Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz. A blockade would allow US warships to operate safely offshore, tracking and intercepting vessels. The US Navy possesses the necessary assets, including special forces, helicopters, and fast boats, to conduct such an operation, as demonstrated by previous blockades of Venezuela and Cuba, and the seizure of the Russian oil tanker Marinera. The article highlights that while the US has the capability, the ultimate goal and effectiveness of a blockade remain open questions.

China has criticized the United States' potential blockade of Iranian ports, deeming it "irresponsible and dangerous." This statement follows US accusations of "economic terrorism" against Iran for disrupting traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman urged all parties to adhere to ceasefire arrangements, prioritize dialogue, and restore normal traffic in the strait. The spokesman also refuted reports that China was preparing to deliver air defense systems to Iran, dismissing them as fabrications. He further stated that China would take countermeasures if the US imposed tariffs based on these accusations. The US had threatened tariffs on Chinese goods if military assistance was provided to Iran.

China is advocating for a ceasefire in the Iran war to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open for international trade and energy transport. This comes as US President Donald Trump announced a large naval operation targeting the oil transit chokepoint. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated that the Strait's stability and unimpeded passage are crucial for global interests. According to Guo, the conflict involving Iran is the primary cause of disruptions in the Strait. China urges all parties to remain calm and exercise restraint to resolve the issue.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday to discuss geopolitical issues, including the conflict in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine. Xi Jinping called for stronger strategic coordination between China and Russia, emphasizing the importance of their relationship amidst international instability. He urged both countries to protect their interests and support Global South unity. Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also discussed the Middle East conflict and the Ukraine war on Tuesday. Lavrov offered that Moscow could compensate for China's energy shortages due to the Strait of Hormuz shutdown.