Iran Threatens Legal Action Against Sinokor Vessels in Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Arabian Gulf Strait Authority has warned that all vessels belonging to South Korean shipping company Sinokor will face legal action from November 1, escalating tensions over control of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

The authority, established by Tehran to manage passage requests through the waterway, said on Tuesday that Sinokor vessels had recorded the highest number of alleged crossing violations over the previous three months. It added that “appropriate actions” had already been taken against at least seven vessels.

However, the Korea Shipowners’ Association said on Wednesday that the vessels in question were not owned by Sinokor directly but had been sub-chartered to an overseas oil company. The ships also carried only foreign crew members, with no South Korean seafarers on board, the association said.

The association said it had confirmed the details with a Sinokor official. It added that Sinokor was unaware of the authority’s separate warning of legal action and was checking the circumstances.

The latest warning follows an earlier move by Tehran to include Sinokor-owned ships on a list of 45 tankers published in August. Iran alleged that the vessels had violated its rules governing passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Tensions around the waterway have increased since US and Israeli airstrikes against Iran began on February 28. Tehran has sought to tighten its control over maritime traffic, restricting passage and attacking shipping in an effort to pressure Washington. The disruption has also affected oil shipments from Arab Gulf producers, particularly supplies destined for Asian markets.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global energy trade, carrying substantial volumes of crude oil and other petroleum products from Gulf producers to international customers. Any prolonged restrictions can create uncertainty for shipping companies and energy markets.

The United States has also imposed a naval blockade targeting vessels linked to Iran in response to Iranian attacks. The measures have sharply curtailed Iranian oil exports, adding to pressure on Tehran as the confrontation continues.

Meanwhile, Gulf oil producers have sought ways to maintain shipments despite security risks. Some tankers have reportedly used so-called dark transits, switching off their tracking systems to reduce the likelihood of detection while navigating the region.

The developments highlight the growing risks facing commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, where competing restrictions and military measures have complicated passage for vessels operating in one of the world’s most sensitive energy corridors.

The legal threat against Sinokor also raises questions about how Iran is identifying alleged violations and whether shipping companies, charterers or vessel operators could face consequences for disputed crossings.