U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington will impose the most stringent sanctions ever levied on Iran, reinforcing President Donald Trump’s pledge of economic warfare and isolation. Speaking on CNBC, Bessent described the measures as a ‘one-two punch,’ combining a blockade with historically severe sanctions aimed at collapsing the Iranian regime.
Bessent also urged China to align with the sanctions, though Beijing reiterated its opposition, stating through its Foreign Ministry that sanctions and coercive measures would not resolve the dispute. China remains a major importer of Iranian oil, complicating enforcement efforts. Shipping data indicated the Strait of Hormuz has remained effectively closed this week, exacerbating concerns over oil supply disruptions.
President Trump framed the pressure as justified by Iran’s weakened position following months of U.S. military and economic measures, vowing ‘economic warfare and isolation on an unprecedented scale.’ Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the threats, accusing Trump of attempting to divert attention from domestic challenges, particularly rising U.S. debt.
The announcement follows Trump’s earlier pledge on Wednesday to escalate economic pressure, while Bessent confirmed a press conference scheduled for Monday to outline further details of the sanctions strategy.
