The United States has announced new sanctions targeting Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority, a recently established agency accused of collecting transit fees for ships passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
According to the US Treasury Department, the move is part of efforts to curb what it described as Iran’s attempts to generate revenue through control of one of the world’s most important maritime routes.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the Iranian military is using the agency as a means to pressure global shipping and raise funds, adding that such actions reflect growing financial strain within the Iranian government. He also warned that individuals or entities paying the fees could be exposed to sanctions, as they may be indirectly supporting Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The Treasury further stated that it has already disrupted billions of dollars in Iranian revenue linked to military activities, including weapons development and support for allied groups in the region.
The sanctions follow reports that the Persian Gulf Strait Authority recently issued new maritime maps outlining its claimed regulatory zone within the Strait of Hormuz, effectively requiring vessels to obtain Iranian authorization before passage.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most critical global energy corridors, with a significant share of the world’s oil and gas shipments passing through it.
While US and Iranian forces have maintained a fragile ceasefire since April, tensions remain high, with continued diplomatic efforts underway to reach a long-term agreement.
Iran’s foreign ministry has defended the agency’s actions, insisting that the fees being collected are for navigational services rather than tolls, and reaffirming Tehran’s authority over maritime traffic in the region.
