United States has imposed sanctions on the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, an Iranian body has set up to manage the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement issued by the US Treasury Department.
According to US officials, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority was established by Iran to oversee and regulate passage through the strait. The Treasury Department warned that individuals, companies or entities cooperating with the authority could face sanctions if they are providing support to or receiving services from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the sanctions reflect Washington's response to what it views as Iran's attempts to exert pressure on global maritime commerce. He stated that recent actions by Iranian authorities demonstrate the country's efforts to use the strategic waterway as leverage amid ongoing economic challenges.
The latest measures follow reports that Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz after the outbreak of war involving the United States and Israel earlier this year, raising concerns among energy producers, shipping companies and financial markets worldwide.
Adding to regional tensions, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority recently published a map reaffirming Iran's claims over a broad stretch of waters surrounding the strait. The move has drawn attention from international observers due to the waterway's importance for global trade and energy security.
