US adds Iran shipping authority to sanctions list over Strait of Hormuz

The United States has imposed new sanctions on Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority, escalating economic pressure on Tehran amid ongoing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.

An update published on the US Treasury Department website confirmed that the authority had been added to the Specially Designated Nationals sanctions list.

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The body was recently established by Iran to oversee requests from commercial ships seeking passage through the strategically vital waterway, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes.

The sanctions are part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to pressure Iran into reaching an agreement aimed at ending the conflict between Washington, Israel and Tehran.

The latest move comes as diplomatic negotiations continue between US and Iranian officials, with Gulf states including Qatar and Pakistan involved in mediation efforts.

Iran has not yet publicly responded to the sanctions announcement.

However, Tehran has previously criticised US economic restrictions as unlawful and accused Washington of escalating instability in the region through pressure campaigns and military threats.