The United States has imposed sanctions on Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority over new fees charged to vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Treasury Department announced the measures on Wednesday, saying the agency is being used by Tehran to extort global maritime trade and raise cash for its military and nuclear programs. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the move is aimed at cutting off revenue for Iran’s weapons programs, proxies, and nuclear ambitions.
The sanctions also extend to anyone paying the fees. Washington warned that payments could be seen as support for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and may expose payers to sanctions risk.
Treasury said it has already blocked tens of billions of dollars in revenue from reaching Tehran.
The action comes as tensions remain high in the Gulf. A ceasefire between US and Iranian forces has held since April 8, but Iran has tightened controls on shipping through the strait. On May 20, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority released a map marking its claimed regulatory zone and said authorization is required for passage.
Iran rejected the US position. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Monday that Tehran is managing traffic through the strait and collecting fees for navigational services, not tolls. The strait carries about 20 percent of the world’s oil and natural gas.
The current standoff began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, followed by Iranian missile and drone attacks across the region.
