The United States has announced sanctions on two Iranian entities accused of helping Tehran exploit shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. In a State Department statement issued July 29, Washington said the move is aimed at countering what it described as coercive marine insurance activity linked to Iran.
According to the announcement, the measures target the Persian Gulf Marine Insurance Company and the Hormuz Safe Marine Services Authority. US officials said both entities are backed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC, and were involved in running so-called insurance arrangements that allegedly pressured international vessels operating in the strategic waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, making any disruption or added cost to shipping a significant concern for global trade. By focusing on marine insurance and vessel services, the US is framing the issue not only as a security matter but also as an effort to protect commercial shipping from what it calls extortionate practices.
The action adds to broader US pressure on Iran and the IRGC, especially in areas tied to regional maritime activity. While the State Department statement was limited in scope, it makes clear that Washington sees these alleged insurance schemes as part of Iran’s wider use of strategic waterways to influence and pressure international commerce.
