US Imposes Sanctions on Iranian Maritime Authority

The United States has imposed new sanctions on Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), a recently established entity tasked with overseeing Tehran’s maritime policy near the Strait of Hormuz [1]. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the PGSA as a "joke" and warned that the US would aggressively target any actors involved in facilitating a tolling system within the strategic waterway [1].

Key takeaways

• The US Treasury is targeting the PGSA, which manages Iranian maritime policy in the Strait of Hormuz [1].
• Secretary Scott Bessent warned that any governments or companies cooperating with Iranian tolling systems will face penalties [1].
• The US is also moving to restrict Iranian airlines from accessing landing rights, refueling facilities, and ticket sales [1].
• Tensions remain high as the US military continues interception operations, having redirected 111 commercial vessels to enforce port blockades [1].

Targeting Maritime Control and Aviation

The latest sanctions represent a broader pressure campaign by the US administration against Tehran’s influence over the Strait of Hormuz [1]. Secretary Bessent specifically cautioned Oman against cooperating with Iran on tolling, stating that the US Treasury would penalize any partners involved in facilitating these payments, whether directly or indirectly [1]. Beyond maritime restrictions, the US government announced plans to block Iranian airlines from essential services, including refueling and ticket sales, to further isolate the country’s logistics networks [1].

These financial measures coincide with ongoing military enforcement in the region. US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that its forces have redirected 111 commercial vessels as part of an effort to enforce a blockade on Iranian ports, with 17 ships blocked within the last week alone [1]. Meanwhile, Iranian officials have pushed back against these actions. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that Tehran would not allow the US to undermine its sovereignty over the waterway, asserting that Iran’s authority there is established [1]. Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir-Saeid Iravani, also defended Tehran’s presence in the strait, claiming that the country's actions are consistent with international law and necessary to prevent the corridor from being used for hostile military aggression [1].

Why it matters

The escalation of sanctions and maritime enforcement occurs against a backdrop of fragile diplomatic efforts. While reports indicate that US and Iranian negotiators have reached a framework for a 60-day ceasefire extension, the proposal remains subject to approval by President Donald Trump [1]. The situation is further complicated by conflicting narratives; while US officials emphasize the need for a satisfactory outcome in negotiations to end the current "downward spiral," Iranian sources have criticized US claims regarding potential deals as a "mix of truth and lies" [1, 2]. As the US continues to apply economic pressure through the Treasury and military patrols through CENTCOM, the future of the ceasefire and the stability of global transit through the Strait of Hormuz remain uncertain [1].