US tightens pressure on Iran with new sanctions and threats of more strikes

The United States has escalated its pressure campaign against Iran, employing a dual strategy of imposing new sanctions and issuing direct threats of further military strikes.

President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday that the U.S. had "hit them hard yesterday and we're going to hit them again hard today." Speaking at the White House, Trump also expressed frustration with ongoing negotiations, stating, "We're really close to a deal but they keep tapping us along. They keep playing us for suckers."

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We hit them hard yesterday and we're going to hit them again hard today.

These warnings coincided with actions taken by the U.S. military and Treasury Department. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported firing at an oil tanker attempting to transport oil from Iran, an act described as a violation of the blockade on Iranian ports. This incident followed Tuesday's strikes against Iranian military targets near the Strait of Hormuz, which CENTCOM justified as self-defense after Iran shot down a U.S. military helicopter.

Simultaneously, the Treasury Department announced fresh sanctions targeting individuals and entities accused of supporting weapons procurement for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its military. Notably, nine of these sanctioned entities are based in China and Hong Kong, indicating a broadening scope of international pressure on Tehran's alleged illicit activities.

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We’re really close to a deal but they keep tapping us along. They keep playing us for suckers.