The United States plans to impose what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called the “toughest sanctions in history” on Iran. He said Washington could announce further details next week.
Bessent made the comments after President Donald Trump warned of “economic warfare” against Iran and countries that provide support to Tehran.
The new measures could increase pressure on Iran’s economy. However, Bessent suggested that stronger economic action could reduce the need for another major military operation.
US Steps Up Economic Pressure on Iran
Bessent told CNBC that the United States was preparing a major new sanctions package against Iran.
He linked the measures to Washington’s broader economic pressure campaign. He also suggested that the latest action could affect the chances of a large-scale military escalation.
Oil prices rose to a more than three-week high following the latest US warnings.
Markets remain sensitive to developments involving Iran because of the country’s influence over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway carried about one-fifth of global oil trade before the conflict began, according to the report.
Iran Rejects US Sanctions
Iran has faced US sanctions for decades. The pressure began shortly after the Islamic Revolution in 1979 and has continued through successive US administrations.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the latest US measures. Officials described Washington’s sanctions policy as “economic terrorism.”
The ministry also said the pressure would not weaken Iran’s determination to protect its independence and national sovereignty.
Bessent Promises More Sanctions Details
Bessent said he would provide further information about the sanctions package during a press conference on Monday.
He described the US strategy as a combination of economic pressure and the blockade imposed on Iran.
The Treasury secretary also said the measures would target Iran’s economy and increase pressure on its government.
However, Tehran has repeatedly rejected US pressure and called for political and diplomatic solutions to regional disputes.
China Faces Pressure Over Iranian Oil
China could face an important decision as Washington prepares its new sanctions package.
According to 2025 data from analytics firm Kpler, China bought more than 80% of Iran’s shipped oil. Any US attempt to punish Chinese companies for trading with Iran could therefore create new tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Bessent said some discussions with China should take place privately.
He also pointed to China’s dependence on energy supplies from the Gulf region. Beijing, however, has rejected the use of sanctions as a way to resolve the dispute.
China Calls for Diplomacy
A spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington said sanctions and economic pressure would not solve the underlying problems.
China urged the parties involved to take responsible action and pursue political and diplomatic solutions.
Meanwhile, the United States continues to increase economic pressure on Tehran. The proposed toughest sanctions in history could further intensify tensions between Washington and Iran.
