US threatens severe sanctions against countries with economic ties to Iran

The US has launched "Operation Economic Outcast," threatening severe sanctions against any country or entity with economic ties to Iran, aiming to isolate Tehran economically. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the objective is to sever all financial lifelines sustaining the Iranian regime, warning that no one is exempt from US sanctions if they facilitate transactions with Iran. It remains unclear how the US will confront China, Iran's largest trading partner, which has indicated resistance to cutting ties. Iran has vowed retaliation against any nation participating in the US-led campaign. This move follows a period of impasse after previous US and Israeli actions against Iran.

The US is threatening unprecedented economic sanctions against Iran, aiming to collapse its government. President Trump announced a "most crushing economic operation" and warned that any country doing business with Iran will face "tremendous economic consequences." Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated these will be the "toughest sanctions in history" and that countries must choose to be "with us or against us." Iran has decried these measures, particularly those targeting other nations, as an "erosion of sovereignty" and a return to colonialism. Tehran has also threatened retaliation against any country that joins the US in imposing economic restrictions, calling them an "enemy."

President Donald Trump is implementing new sanctions and economic pressure on Iran and its trading partners, aiming to force Tehran to accept a deal on US terms. This strategy, which includes a naval blockade and economic isolation targeting nations like China and India, is intended to achieve what military actions could not. However, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which controls the Strait of Hormuz and has conducted drone attacks, may be resistant to this pressure. Experts suggest that significant economic pressure could prompt Iran to retaliate with military strikes across the Gulf, potentially targeting energy infrastructure to increase oil prices and the cost of the US effort. This retaliation could force a shift in the US approach, as Iran has demonstrated resilience to previous sanctions and military actions.

The Trump administration, through Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, has announced a new economic pressure campaign against Iran, dubbed "Operation Economic Outcast" and "economic D-day." The objective is to choke off Iran's revenues and isolate the country by targeting all its sources of income, including oil. Bessent stated that countries and companies facilitating transactions with Iran will face secondary penalties, forcing them to choose between doing business with the US or Iran. This intensified sanctions effort comes nearly six months after US and Israeli strikes against Iran, which have not dislodged the governing system. Iran has responded with regional attacks and control over the Strait of Hormuz, impacting energy prices.

Iran has condemned planned new U.S. sanctions, warning that countries participating in these measures will be considered enemies. Mohsen Rezai, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, stated on state television that any nation joining the U.S. "economic war" against Iran would be viewed as an adversary. These potential sanctions could further strain Iran's economy and affect its major trading partners, including China. Iran issued this warning on Saturday, signaling its strong opposition to the impending U.S. actions.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has defended a memorandum of understanding with the United States as the best path forward from a stalled war, emphasizing its alignment with national interests and the need to reduce economic risk. Meanwhile, Iran's new top security official, Mohsen Rezaei, threatened retaliation against neighboring countries supporting U.S. sanctions. In the occupied West Bank, a Palestinian man reported being beaten by an Israeli settler, and Israeli forces are pursuing a suspect in a separate stabbing attack, highlighting ongoing violence in the region. Pakistan's army chief is scheduled to visit Tehran to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional de-escalation efforts.

Iran has warned that any country joining the United States' "economic war" against it will be considered an enemy and face retaliation. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, stated that nations participating in economic restrictions will be targeted, and warned that oil exports from the Gulf region could be halted. This warning comes as the US plans to announce new sanctions. Iran's strategy involves initial negotiations, followed by strikes against the interests of non-compliant countries. The article suggests Iran is employing a doctrine of preemption and disproportionate retaliation to deter threats.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the world has accepted Iran's victory in its conflict with the United States, asserting that the U.S. is now "hated." These remarks come as the Trump administration continues its "economic D-Day" campaign against Iran, aiming to isolate the country and force concessions on its nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz. Separately, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, commented that Israel "still" occupies the Golan Heights in violation of UN resolutions. This statement appears to contradict the official U.S. position, which recognizes Israeli sovereignty over the territory, a stance also adopted by Colombia. Barrack's comments drew criticism from a conservative activist.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Friday that it is time to end the ongoing Middle East war with the US, asserting that Tehran is in a stronger position. He believes ending the conflict now, while in a position of power, is preferable. Pezeshkian also defended a June memorandum of understanding with the US, arguing it does not represent a defeat for Iran. The war, which began in February and involves the US and Israel, is currently in a stalemate. Iran is partially blocking the Strait of Hormuz, while the US maintains a naval counter-blockade. Pezeshkian claimed the world acknowledges Iran's victory and criticizes US actions.