US Announces 'Economic D-Day' with Expanded Sanctions on Iran

The United States has declared an "economic D-Day" against Iran, expanding secondary sanctions to exert maximum financial pressure on Tehran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the punitive measures, which target entities and countries maintaining commercial ties with Iran, as the conflict approaches its six-month mark. The goal is to send a final message to nations to cease business with Iran or risk exclusion from the dollar-based financial system.

"We are launching an economic assault on Iran's global economic connections," Bessent stated. "Our goal is to cut off every financial lifeline supporting this tyrannical regime until Tehran is left alone." The U.S. Treasury Department has identified networks, intermediaries, and financial channels Iran uses to circumvent sanctions, particularly for oil sales. Washington also pledged to collaborate with partners to strike at all sources of Iran's "illegal revenue."

The sanctions cover five key sectors: digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping, which the U.S. claims the Iranian state exploits to support its economy. Nearly 60 entities, individuals, and vessels have been sanctioned. China remains Iran's largest oil buyer, though the U.S. has intensified efforts to curb these purchases without sanctioning major Chinese banks facilitating the trade.

The extended sanctions come amid global energy market volatility and stalled diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. Oil and raw material transport through the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, keeping energy prices high. The article notes that President Trump's popularity has dipped, with only 33% of Americans approving of his job performance, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. Trump maintains that the economic cost is necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.