US imposes sanctions on Iran’s new Strait of Hormuz authority over shipping fees

The United States Treasury Department has announced new sanctions against Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority, a recently established agency responsible for collecting fees from vessels passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

 

In a statement on Wednesday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused Iran of attempting to “extort global maritime trade” through the new regulatory body.

 

“The Iranian military’s latest attempt to extort global maritime trade is proof that Economic Fury has left the regime desperate for cash,” Bessent said.

 

The Treasury Department warned that individuals and entities paying the newly introduced fees could also face sanctions, saying such payments may constitute support for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).

 

It added that violators could be “exposed to sanctions risk” for receiving services linked to the group.

 

According to the statement, US sanctions have already disrupted “tens of billions of dollars” in Iranian revenue linked to weapons development, militant proxies, and nuclear activities.

 

The Iranian agency had earlier released a maritime map outlining its “regulatory jurisdiction” over parts of the Strait of Hormuz, indicating that vessels must obtain authorization before passing through designated zones.

 

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy routes, carrying about 20 percent of global oil and gas shipments.

 

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, said Tehran would continue managing maritime traffic in the area, insisting that the charges were for “navigational services” rather than tolls.

 

Tensions in the Gulf have remained high despite a fragile ceasefire between US and Iranian forces since April 8, with continued diplomatic efforts aimed at a long-term settlement.

The conflict escalated earlier this year following military exchanges between Iran, the United States, and Israel, which triggered wider regional instability.