US Plans Toughest-Ever Sanctions on Iran as Pressure on Tehran Intensifies

The United States is preparing a sweeping new sanctions package against Iran, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent describing the planned measures as the “toughest sanctions in history”. Details of the package are expected to be announced as Washington steps up its economic pressure on Tehran amid continuing tensions in the Middle East.

The proposed measures form part of the Trump administration’s broader strategy to weaken Iran’s economy and restrict the financial resources available to the Iranian government. Washington has increasingly focused on cutting off Iran’s access to international trade and oil revenues, while seeking to persuade other countries to join its campaign against Tehran.

Bessent has characterised the US strategy as a “one-two punch”, combining economic sanctions with measures designed to restrict Iran’s ability to conduct international trade. The administration believes sustained economic pressure could force Tehran to reconsider its policies and eventually bring about political changes.

The planned sanctions come amid heightened tensions surrounding the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global energy supplies. Any prolonged disruption in the waterway could have significant consequences for international oil markets because large quantities of crude and other energy products normally pass through the region.

The Trump administration has also warned countries that continue to support Iran that they could face economic consequences. China is expected to remain a particular focus of Washington’s pressure campaign because it is a major purchaser of Iranian oil. The US has been seeking to prevent Tehran from maintaining alternative sources of revenue through overseas energy sales and other forms of international commerce.

The proposed measures are expected to further complicate Iran’s economic situation, which has already been affected by years of US sanctions. Washington’s objective is to make it increasingly difficult for Iranian entities to access foreign financial systems, sell oil and conduct international transactions. Iran, however, has rejected the US pressure campaign and criticised the sanctions as an attempt at economic coercion. Iranian officials have maintained that Tehran will not surrender to external demands and have warned that additional pressure could provoke a strong response.

China has also opposed the use of sanctions as a solution to the dispute, arguing that escalating economic pressure will not resolve the underlying conflict. Beijing has instead called for dialogue and negotiations to address the growing tensions.

The latest US move comes as Washington attempts to combine economic and strategic pressure on Tehran without immediately expanding the confrontation into a larger military conflict. The administration believes that sanctions can weaken Iran’s ability to sustain its policies while increasing the costs of resisting US demands. With the announcement of the sanctions package approaching, attention is now focused on the exact measures the US Treasury will introduce and their potential impact on Iran’s oil exports, international trade and global energy markets.