The Trump administration has expanded the range of secondary sanctions the United States can impose on companies, organizations and countries that continue doing business with Iran. The measure increases economic pressure on Tehran as the conflict between the two countries approaches six months.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the initiative as a final warning to governments and businesses: those maintaining commercial links with Iran could lose access to the dollar-based financial system. The Treasury Department said it has identified networks, intermediaries and financial channels used by Iran to export oil and avoid existing restrictions.
Washington issued determinations covering digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping, sectors it says support Iran's economy. It also sanctioned nearly 60 individuals, entities and vessels. China remains the largest buyer of Iranian oil, although the United States has not designated major Chinese banks that may facilitate those transactions.
Iranian officials said the country was prepared for the new measures. Finance Minister Ali Madanizadeh characterized the sanctions as an economic attack and suggested Iran could respond with measures of its own. An Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesperson also warned that U.S. interests and key energy routes could be targeted if Iranian infrastructure is threatened.
The conflict has contributed to higher global energy prices. Although major fighting has eased, negotiations remain stalled, while blocked oil and commodity shipments through the Strait of Hormuz continue to affect markets.
Trump argues that the economic burden is necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. A Reuters/Ipsos poll cited in the report puts his approval rating at 33 per cent.
U.S. sanctions on Iran have long targeted oil revenue, aviation, cryptocurrency, military procurement and businesses linked to the Revolutionary Guard. However, Iran has repeatedly created front companies and changed vessel registrations to evade restrictions, prompting broader U.S. sanctions enforcement.