The U.S. Treasury is preparing to impose sanctions on airlines, maritime operators and digital asset markets as part of efforts to restrict Iran’s economic activity, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Wednesday.
Speaking in a Fox News interview, Bessent stated the Trump administration is moving to systematically remove "bad actors" supporting Iran’s regime. He warned that entities across aviation, shipping and cryptocurrency sectors could face penalties if found facilitating transactions or business ties with Iran.
Bessent emphasized that the Treasury is engaging directly with stakeholders in these industries, urging them to sever any connections with Iranian entities. "No one should support this regime," he said, adding that extensive discussions are underway with firms and individuals potentially exposed to sanctions risk.
The announcement reflects a broader strategy to intensify pressure on Iran through targeted economic measures. While specific timing or formal listings were not disclosed, the Treasury’s focus on aviation, maritime and digital assets signals an expansion of traditional sanctions tools to include sectors previously less scrutinized in this context.
The move follows recent policy shifts under the current administration aimed at tightening financial restrictions on Iran, including heightened scrutiny of cross-border transactions and digital payment channels.
