Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority dismissed recent US sanctions, stating that the measures will not allow Washington to gain control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The Authority condemned the US sanctions, framing them as proof of its own operational success. Despite the US measures, the agency stated it continues to process requests and issue transit permits to “non-hostile” vessels without interruption.

The US Treasury Department, under Secretary Scott Bessent, sanctioned the Iranian agency, labeling it an extortion arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The US alleges the body forces commercial ships to pay illegitimate tolls and hand over sensitive information for safe passage, funneling the funds directly to the IRGC.

These sanctions arrive amid severe regional tensions sparked by US and Israeli strikes against Iran in late February 2026. Iran previously retaliated by attacking US allies, targeting Israel, and closing the Strait of Hormuz.

An April 8 ceasefire, initially mediated by Pakistan and later extended indefinitely by Trump, remains in place as the involved parties exchange proposals to negotiate a lasting end to the conflict.