In a recent meeting of the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs, discussions centered on the establishment of a global maritime "no doc" list aimed at curtailing the activities of the shadow fleet, which is often linked to illicit oil trade and other malign activities associated with the Iranian regime. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance international cooperation in enforcing sanctions against entities that support or engage in such activities.

Ms. Jongman, a key speaker at the meeting, emphasized the importance of collaboration with other nations to uphold this no doc list at their ports. She highlighted that many vessels involved in these activities are registered under flags from countries like Panama, Comoros, and the Cook Islands. The U.S. could leverage its influence by threatening to deny entry to these flagged vessels in American ports. This approach aims to create a significant deterrent effect, encouraging these countries to reconsider their involvement in facilitating the shadow fleet.

The proposed no doc list functions similarly to a no-fly list, where vessels identified as participating in illicit activities would be monitored and potentially barred from docking at U.S. ports. While the U.S. cannot directly enforce this list at foreign ports, the strategy seeks to pressure "bad actor" states by restricting their access to American maritime facilities. This could lead to a ripple effect, prompting other nations to take similar actions against vessels associated with the Iranian regime.

The discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for a coordinated international response to counter the Iranian regime's malign activities. By establishing clear consequences for countries that allow their vessels to engage in illicit trade, the U.S. aims to strengthen global maritime security and uphold international sanctions.

As the committee continues to explore ways to implement this strategy, the effectiveness of the no doc list will depend on the willingness of other nations to cooperate and enforce similar measures. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact the dynamics of maritime trade and the enforcement of sanctions against Iran and its affiliates.