US Imposes Sanctions on New Iranian Agency Attempting to Control Hormuz Strait

The Trump administration has imposed additional sanctions on Iran as part of a massive economic pressure campaign. The sanctions target a newly established Iranian agency, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, which seeks to control shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. US officials reported that the military struck Iranian facilities after shooting down attack drones. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway carrying one-fifth of the world's oil and gas. The sanctions aim to force Iran to reach a deal and reopen the waterway, as the current blockade has caused energy prices to surge.