The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control confirmed on Friday that such payments — in whatever form — could expose those making them and intermediary institutions to sanctions.
In a statement, it said it was aware of what it described as maritime-related threats and demands for payments in exchange for "safe passage" through the strait, noting that such fees could be requested in multiple forms, including cash, digital assets, barter, or even ostensibly charitable donations benefiting entities such as the Iranian Red Crescent Society, other institutions, or diplomatic accounts.
It added that sanctions risks remain in place regardless of the payment method used.
