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The United States is preparing to intensify its economic pressure on Iran, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warning of what he described as the toughest sanctions in history. The threat comes alongside an ongoing US naval blockade of Iranian ports and follows President Donald Trump’s warning that countries continuing to do business with Tehran could face severe economic consequences.

Iran has rejected the move, accusing Washington of trying to extend its authority beyond its borders and warning other countries against joining the campaign.

Washington Raises Pressure

Trump announced a new economic offensive against Iran last week, saying Tehran had failed to take an opportunity to reach a deal and would now face unprecedented economic isolation.

He warned countries that provide financial, commercial or logistical support to Iran that they could themselves face sanctions. His warning covers a wide range of activities, including oil smuggling, financial transfers, ship registries and the use of front companies.

Bessent subsequently said the US would impose its toughest sanctions yet on Iran. He linked the measures to the naval blockade already being enforced against Iranian ports and said the combined pressure would damage the Iranian economy and put the government under severe strain.

The latest measures build on long-standing US sanctions targeting Iran’s oil, shipping and financial sectors. Washington has been seeking to restrict Tehran’s ability to earn revenue from energy exports and prevent companies and intermediaries from helping Iran sell oil overseas.

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Tehran Warns Other Nations

Iran has strongly opposed the planned escalation, particularly Washington’s threat to penalise countries that continue trading with Tehran.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the US was attempting to impose its authority on other sovereign states. He warned that forcing foreign banks, businesses and airports to cut commercial ties with Iran would undermine the international system and amount to a return to colonial-style pressure.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also dismissed the new measures, saying they were bound to fail. He argued that Tehran had faced similar sanctions for years and suggested the latest campaign would produce no different outcome.

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