Trump Sanctions 60 New Iranian Targets, Tehran Calls It ‘Economic Terrorism’
The United States has slapped sanctions on 60 new Iranian entities, individuals, and ships, escalating its “economic war” on Tehran while ruling out a return to large-scale combat.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the expanded sanctions on Monday, adding the new targets to Washington’s blacklist as part of a broader push to cut off Iran’s oil trade and financial infrastructure [227085]. Bessent also said the United States is unlikely to restart major military operations against Iran, signaling a shift from direct combat to financial pressure nearly six months into the conflict [224020].
President Donald Trump has framed the campaign as an “economic D-Day,” warning that any country helping Iran economically will face consequences [223253]. Treasury officials have given foreign governments a stark choice, declaring, “You are either with us, or against us” [224187]. Countries that fail to cut ties with Tehran face secondary sanctions [226969].
Iran has condemned the measures as “economic terrorism” and “extraterritorial sovereignty,” arguing Washington is overstepping its borders [227085][225232]. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) acknowledged that economic confrontation is now the “main battlefield” with the United States, saying Washington aims to “spread despair among the people, put pressure on living conditions, and weaken social trust” inside Iran [226570].
Tehran insists it is prepared, claiming a plan to absorb the impact by diversifying trade partners and boosting domestic production [226835]. Iran has also renewed threats to seize commercial vessels in key shipping lanes, raising the risk of confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz [226184].
Oil prices have climbed for a fifth straight session on the news, as traders worry that a full halt to Iranian exports could remove more than one million barrels per day from global markets [224100]. The pressure campaign also risks straining relations with China, Iran’s largest oil buyer, potentially testing a fragile U.S.-China truce [227024].
Experts warn the strategy could backfire, pushing Tehran toward escalation rather than capitulation [227025]. The White House insists the policy is about pressure, not provocation [227025].