Iran warns Sinokor shipping fleet faces legal action from November 1

Iran has issued a formal warning that vessels owned by South Korean shipping firm Sinokor Merchant Marine will face "legal action" starting on Sunday, 1 November, following alleged maritime violations in the Strait of Hormuz. The Gulf Strait Authority (GSA) of Iran issued the directive after accusing the company of frequent crossing infractions in the strategic waterway. Allegations of crossing violations The GSA stated on Wednesday, 28 October, that Sinokor vessels committed the "highest number of crossing violations" in the Strait of Hormuz over the previous three months. According to reports from Reuters and Seatrade Maritime, the Iranian authority has already taken unspecified "appropriate actions" against at least seven vessels belonging to the South Korean fleet. The warning extends to all cargo owners, stakeholders, and insurance providers associated with the firm. While some reports, including those from Iran Observer, suggested the authority threatened missile strikes against the company's ships, the official GSA statement primarily cited legal measures. However, the announcement coincides with separate claims from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard regarding the potential establishment of a "prohibited zone" near the Strait in the coming days. Impact on global oil transport Sinokor Merchant Marine has significantly expanded its presence in the global energy supply chain during 2026. The company conducted an aggressive secondhand purchasing spree this year, acquiring…