US Vows Toughest Sanctions in History on Iran

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US will impose “the toughest sanctions in history” on Iran, arguing that maximum economic pressure could reduce the likelihood of renewed large-scale military operations. He said further details would be announced on Monday.

The announcement followed US President Donald Trump’s threat of “Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale” and his warning of serious economic consequences for any country that provides Iran with financial or other assistance.

The threats have already affected markets, with oil prices rising to a more than three-week high on Thursday. Particular attention is focused on China, which buys more than 80% of Iran’s seaborne oil, according to 2025 data from Kpler.

Beijing has rejected the US approach and called for a political and diplomatic solution. Iran has condemned Washington’s pressure as “economic terrorism”.

Bessent said the combination of the US blockade and new sanctions was intended to intensify pressure on Tehran, adding that Washington ultimately aimed to bring about the collapse of the Iranian regime.

(Reuters, mja)