Sanctions – US Tightens Pressure on Iran Over Strait of Hormuz Operations
Sanctions – The United States has announced fresh sanctions against Iran’s newly formed Persian Gulf Strait Authority, accusing the organisation of pressuring international vessels and collecting unauthorized transit-related payments in the Strait of Hormuz. The action marks another step in Washington’s wider campaign aimed at restricting Iran’s financial and military influence in the region.
Treasury Department Targets Iranian Maritime Authority
The sanctions were introduced on Wednesday by the US Department of the Treasury through its Office of Foreign Assets Control. Officials in Washington claimed the Persian Gulf Strait Authority was created to oversee ship movement through the Strait of Hormuz while maintaining close coordination with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its naval division.
According to the Treasury Department, commercial ships passing through the strategic waterway were allegedly being instructed to follow routes determined by Iranian authorities and provide operational details in exchange for safe transit approval. US officials argued that such practices effectively placed additional pressure on global shipping companies operating in one of the world’s most important maritime corridors.
The authority has now been added to the Specially Designated Nationals list under US sanctions regulations.
Washington Accuses Tehran of Funding Military Operations
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the latest measures were part of a broader effort to reduce the financial capabilities of the Iranian government. He accused Tehran of using maritime operations and regional trade activity to support military programs, proxy groups, and weapons development.
Bessent said the United States would continue efforts to disrupt networks linked to Iranian oil exports, shipping intermediaries, and other financial channels believed to support the country’s defense structure. The administration described the sanctions move as part of its intensified “Economic Fury” strategy directed at Iran.
The Treasury Department also warned international companies and vessel operators that complying with Iranian demands for transit-related payments could expose them to American sanctions. Officials said this included transactions carried out through traditional banking systems, digital currencies, informal exchange methods, or other forms of compensation.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Critical to Global Trade
The Strait of Hormuz is widely regarded as one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. A major share of global oil and energy exports moves through the narrow shipping route connecting the Persian Gulf with international markets.
Any disruption in the area often raises concerns among governments, shipping firms, and energy traders because of its direct impact on oil supplies and maritime stability.
US authorities alleged that Iran’s newly established maritime body was attempting to expand control over vessel navigation within the region. The sanctions were issued under Executive Order 13224, a US counterterrorism measure used against entities accused of supporting designated organisations.
Iran Recently Introduced the New Authority
Iran officially announced the launch of the Persian Gulf Strait Authority earlier this month. The country’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed that the organisation had begun operations and would oversee matters connected to the Strait of Hormuz.
Days later, the authority published details regarding the boundaries of its supervision area. According to statements shared on social media, the operational zone stretches between parts of Iran and the United Arab Emirates across the eastern and western sections of the Strait of Hormuz.
The body also indicated that ships moving through the designated area would need coordination and approval from the authority before transit.
Wider Pressure Campaign Continues
The latest sanctions come amid broader US efforts aimed at increasing economic pressure on Tehran. Washington said previous actions had targeted oil trading networks, shipping companies, financial channels, and groups allegedly linked to Iranian-backed militias operating across the Middle East.
American officials maintain that the campaign is intended to limit Iran’s access to international revenue streams and reduce activities viewed by Washington as destabilizing to regional security.
Iran has repeatedly criticized US sanctions in the past, arguing that such measures violate international norms and place unfair pressure on its economy and trade operations.