The US government says it will “cut off every financial resource” that keeps Iran’s “tyrannical regime” alive as Washington announced a new package of sanctions targeting Tehran.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the policy during a press conference, saying Iran now faces a clear choice between isolation and economic self-sufficiency or a return to normality and the possibility of rejoining the global economy.
“Iran faces a very clear choice, with only two possible paths: complete isolation and a self-sufficient economy, or a return to normality with the possibility of reintegrating into the global economy,” Bessent said.
The Treasury secretary also warned countries and entities that they must meet deadlines set by Washington to end activities that the US has identified as unacceptable. Those that fail to comply will face measures from the US Treasury Department.
Bessent said President Donald Trump has been speaking by phone with international leaders and making specific demands that they halt transactions with Iran.
Washington Targets Gold, Shipping and Digital Assets
The US will impose a new round of sanctions targeting sectors that Washington considers vital to Iran’s ability to generate revenue abroad.
The measures will target five key sectors: digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and maritime shipping.
“The new sectoral sanctions being announced today target five vital sectors of Iran from which the country derives revenue abroad: digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and maritime shipping,” Bessent said.
He also warned that the US would accelerate enforcement against anyone “reckless enough” to conduct commercial transactions with Iran.
Washington also issued a warning to countries that allow entities to facilitate the laundering of Iranian illicit funds. According to Bessent, those countries could face exclusion from the US dollar system.
“The countdown has begun,” he said.
More broadly, Bessent warned that countries that refuse to participate in the US sanctions campaign will “share Iran’s isolation.”
Trump spent the weekend speaking with foreign leaders as Washington seeks international support for what the US president has described as his economic campaign against Tehran.
