U.S. Treasury announces new secondary sanctions targeting entities linked to Iran

The U.S. Treasury announced on Monday a package of secondary sanctions aimed at foreign firms, individuals and vessels that support Iran’s trade in shipping, oil, cryptocurrency, gold and aviation. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the measures are part of an "economic onslaught" intended to cut off the Iranian regime’s financial networks worldwide.

The list includes about 60 entities across multiple jurisdictions, among them several Chinese nationals. Bessent said the United States is conducting "quiet diplomacy" with Iran’s trade partners and warned that any party facilitating money-laundering for Tehran will be removed from the U.S. dollar system. "No one is above the reach of U.S. sanctions," he added, noting a "cure period" for nations to end such relationships.

Iranian officials responded by downplaying the announcement. Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh told the semi-official Fars news agency that Iran is prepared for an "economic war" and would retaliate against any actions taken against it. President Masoud Pezeshkian, speaking at a meeting with Pakistan’s army chief, urged the United States to change its tone, saying reliance on "force and bullying" would only complicate matters.

Analysts said the impact of the sanctions will depend on whether Iran’s major trading partners—China, India and Russia—view the threats as credible. Andrew Gawthrope, a lecturer at the University of Leiden, noted that these countries are unlikely to abruptly halt trade with Iran, which could affect their own credibility.

The announcement follows six months of U.S. military actions, including a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and comes as the Trump administration seeks additional levers to pressure Tehran. Critics argue that without concrete follow-up measures, the sanctions may have limited effect.