The United States on Friday imposed new Iran-related sanctions on several individuals, entities, and one vessel, including some based in China, according to the US Treasury website.
The Treasury further warned that any shippers paying tolls to Iran for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, including charitable donations to organizations such as the Iranian Red Crescent Society, are at risk of punitive sanctions.
"The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is aware of Iranian threats to shipping and demands for 'toll' payments to receive safe passage through the international Strait of Hormuz," said the Treasury, noting that any such payments are "generally prohibited."
The treasury added that the US prohibits any engagements or transactions with the Iranian government, Iranian digital asset exchanges, or Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The US considers the IRGC a terrorist organization, with the Treasury warning that any foreign entities that cause Americans to violate its sanctions against the group (and Iran in general) risk "civil and criminal enforcement liability."
"Vessels of all nations entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastline are also subject to US Central Command’s (CENTCOM) impartial naval blockade," the Treasury added.
US targets Iran's covert 'shadow banking' network
On Tuesday, the US imposed new sanctions on 35 groups and individuals involved in operating Iran's covert financial network, according to the State Department.
Iranian "shadow banking" networks allow the regime to evade sanctions, despite the US "maximum pressure" campaign against the Islamic Republic, the State Department noted.
The State Department also accused the IRGC and Iranian military forces of illegally using the international financial system to profit from the sale of sanctioned oil, gather missile and weapon components, and fund terror proxies.
The statement also reflected on the plight of the Iranian people, noting how they live under a deteriorating economy while the regime extends favors to the elites.
Reuters contributed to this report.