US, Iran tensions rise over new sanctions

The United States and Iran have stepped up their hostile rhetoric as Washington prepares to announce a new package

The United States and Iran have stepped up their hostile rhetoric as Washington prepares to announce a new package of economic sanctions targeting Tehran and potentially countries that continue doing business with it.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to outline the measures on Monday, with Washington describing them as among the toughest sanctions imposed on Iran. The measures could also affect major trading partners, including China, which remains a key buyer of Iranian oil.

Iran has rejected the planned sanctions, calling them an unlawful attempt by the United States to impose its authority beyond its borders. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said secondary sanctions had no basis in international law.

US President Donald Trump has warned countries providing economic support to Iran that they could face consequences. He said Tehran wanted an agreement but had not yet accepted what Washington considers acceptable terms.

The confrontation comes as the war approaches its sixth month. Although the United States and Iran are not currently exchanging fire, diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain stalled.

The situation has also severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies. Ship-tracking data showed that only a handful of commercial vessels crossed the waterway on Thursday, while major crude oil and liquefied natural gas carriers remained largely absent.

Iran has nevertheless allowed several Iraqi oil tankers to pass through the strait after requests from Baghdad. The permission was reportedly discussed during the recent visit of Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf to Iraq.

Oil flows through the waterway have fallen sharply from pre-war levels. US officials said an average of around 8 million barrels of oil a day was moving through the strait, compared with more than 20 million barrels before the conflict.

The disruption has contributed to higher oil prices and raised concerns about wider effects on the global economy.

US military operations have inflicted heavy damage on Iran’s military capabilities and economy, but Tehran still retains missile and drone capabilities that could threaten shipping and regional targets.

Washington has also yet to achieve some of its stated objectives, including fully determining the status of Iran’s nuclear programme and creating conditions for political change in Tehran. International nuclear inspectors have been unable to access Iran since 2025.

Iranian military officials have continued to threaten a strong response to any further attacks. However, President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for a diplomatic solution and an end to the conflict.

Iranian officials have also acknowledged the growing economic pressure. Ghalibaf warned that military strength alone would not be enough to sustain the country if economic activity, production and financial circulation continued to suffer.