Trump’s options as he prepares to increase economic pressure on Iran
The Trump administration is preparing to implement unprecedented economic sanctions against Iran, potentially targeting Chinese refineries that purchase Iranian oil. These measures aim to further isolate Tehran's economy following existing maritime and financial restrictions.
Why it matters
Escalating economic pressure on Iran could significantly impact global oil markets and heighten geopolitical tensions between the U.S., China, and the Middle East.
US President Donald Trump has vowed to hit Iran hard economically, after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that Washington would impose measures on Tehran that have "never been seen" as soon as next week.Bessent is due to hold a press conference at 2 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT) on Monday.The United States, United Nations and European Union have applied sanctions, implemented trade embargoes and frozen assets since the late 1970s over Iran's nuclear program, human rights violations and support for militant groups.Since the Iran war began in February, Washington has levied additional maritime, energy, and financial sanctions and started a naval blockade.Data from the US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) shows the agency has imposed sanctions on more than 1,000 people, vessels, and aircraft since Trump began his second term.Recent measures have targeted Iran's shadow oil fleet; shipping insurers; entities and people enabling Iran's acquisition of weapons; and…
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