U.S. Sanctions Iran's Persian Gulf Authority Amid Maritime Tensions

The United States, escalating its pressure on Iran, announced sanctions on Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) on Wednesday, accusing the regime of extorting commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz and funneling the revenue to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

This action, declared by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control, places the PGSA on the Specially Designated Nationals list, intensifying President Trump's 'Economic Fury' strategy against Tehran amid rising regional tensions. The U.S. accuses PGSA of imposing illegitimate tolls on maritime trade, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent labeling the authority's activities as a desperate cash-grab in response to these economic pressures.

The U.S. government asserts that Economic Fury has financially constrained Iran, impacting its weapons programs and terrorist efforts. The sanctions under Executive Order 13224 target PGSA's support for the IRGC, and the latest measures extend the maximum pressure campaign against Iran's global financial networks and military expansions.

The Treasury Department warned international shippers against complying with Iranian toll demands, stating such actions could expose them to U.S. sanctions. The designated sanctions accompany the PGSA's new regulations defining control over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route for global trade.

(With inputs from agencies.)