US unveils toughest-ever sanctions push against Iran

The announcement came after President Donald Trump warned that countries supporting Iran could face severe economic penalties. Trump said the

WASHINGTON: The United States is preparing what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described as the toughest sanctions campaign ever imposed on Iran, as Washington seeks to intensify economic pressure on Tehran while potentially reducing the need for further major military action.

The announcement came after President Donald Trump warned that countries supporting Iran could face severe economic penalties. Trump said the United States was launching an unprecedented campaign of “economic warfare and isolation” against Iran and threatened consequences for foreign governments, financial institutions and businesses that provide assistance to Tehran.

Bessent said the planned measures would target activities linked to Iran’s economy, including oil smuggling, financial transfers, exchange houses, ship registries and front companies. He indicated that maximum economic pressure could reduce the likelihood of a large-scale resumption of military operations.

Iran strongly condemned the US strategy, accusing Washington of committing “economic terrorism” and “crimes against humanity.” Its Foreign Ministry argued that sanctions imposed on Iran have harmed the basic rights and livelihoods of ordinary citizens and said those responsible should face legal consequences.

The escalating tensions have also affected global energy markets. Oil prices climbed to their highest level in more than three weeks following Washington’s latest threats, amid concerns over disruptions to Middle Eastern oil supplies after months of conflict.

Bessent said the administration would provide further details at a press conference on Monday, describing the strategy as a combination of economic sanctions and a US blockade. The announcement signals a major escalation in Washington’s economic campaign against Tehran as both sides remain locked in a deepening confrontation.

Moreover, US President Donald Trump has announced a major new economic offensive against Iran. He described the move as the most crushing economic operation ever taken against a country.

Trump said the United States would launch an unprecedented campaign to put further economic pressure on Tehran. He also warned countries and entities that continue to support Iran that they could face severe economic consequences.

The US president said the campaign was aimed at isolating Iran and cutting off its remaining economic lifelines. He described the policy as economic warfare on an extraordinary scale.

Trump warned that any country allowing its financial institutions, businesses, airports or government bodies to provide support to Iran would also face consequences. He specifically pointed to activities such as oil smuggling, cash transfers, exchange houses, shipping networks and front companies.

However, Trump did not provide full details of the new measures. He also did not name any specific country that could be targeted for helping Iran.

The announcement marks a further escalation in Washington’s pressure campaign against Tehran. The United States has already imposed extensive sanctions on Iran and has been seeking to restrict its access to international markets, foreign currency and oil revenues.

Iran is already facing serious economic difficulties. The ongoing conflict, sanctions and disruptions to trade have placed additional pressure on the country’s economy. Reuters reported that Iran has been dealing with high inflation, a weakening currency and declining economic activity.

Trump’s latest announcement comes as efforts to resolve the conflict through negotiations remain stalled. The United States has continued to demand major concessions from Iran, while Tehran has maintained its own demands for an end to the blockade and military pressure.

The economic campaign could also affect countries and companies that maintain commercial links with Iran. Washington has previously considered measures aimed at countries involved in Iranian trade, particularly activities connected to oil and financial transactions.

The development has raised concerns about further pressure on Iran’s economy and the wider regional situation. The conflict has already disrupted trade and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global energy supplies.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a telephone conversation with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. During the call, they discussed efforts to find a political and diplomatic solution to the ongoing issues.

The contact comes as diplomatic efforts continue alongside growing economic and military pressure. Pakistan has repeatedly emphasized dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred way to address regional tensions