The Trump administration has announced a broad new round of economic sanctions aimed at isolating Iran and cutting off what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called its financial lifelines. Speaking at the Treasury Department in Washington, Bessent said the United States was launching an economic isolation campaign against Tehran.
The measures target five major sectors: digital assets, technology, finance, aviation and shipping. They also expand secondary sanctions, meaning companies and financial institutions in third countries that do business directly with Iran could also face punishment. The Treasury said the new action adds about 60 entities, individuals and vessels linked to Iran’s nuclear and missile procurement, oil exports and cyber operations.
Bessent urged countries around the world to stop dealing with Iran and said U.S. patience is not unlimited. He did not set a deadline, but he suggested there would be consequences for continued trade with Tehran. He also declined to give a direct answer about China, the largest buyer of Iranian oil, while warning that no one could be exempt from the sanctions regime.
Iran quickly pushed back, with parliamentary leader Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf calling the announcement bluster and saying Iran’s trading partners do not take U.S. statements seriously. Iran’s economy minister also said the country had already prepared countermeasures. The move underscores Washington’s effort to use economic pressure rather than military force to curb Iran’s nuclear and regional activities.
