U.S. Treasury launches Operation Economic Outcast targeting Iran's revenue streams

The U.S. Treasury Department has announced Operation Economic Outcast, a sanctions initiative intended to block revenue sources for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the broader regime. Treasury officials say the plan will impose secondary sanctions on foreign entities that continue business with Tehran and add nearly 60 individuals, companies and vessels to a blacklist.

Kasra Aarabi, director of IRGC research at United Against Nuclear Iran, told FOX Business that public anger over recent protests could reach a "boiling point" as the economic pressure intensifies. He said the regime fears large-scale demonstrations backed by U.S. military presence.

Aarabi added that Iran's oil exports have already been severely reduced by a U.S. naval blockade, limiting the government's ability to fund its military. He claimed sources in Iran indicated officials were scrambling for alternative revenue channels before the new sanctions took effect.

Jason Brodsky, policy director of United Against Nuclear Iran, described the operation as a continuation of the "maximum pressure" campaign, combining economic and military measures. He said the sanctions are expected to diminish Tehran's capacity to support proxy groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis, which he argued serves U.S. national-security interests.

UANI also released a set of policy recommendations urging the United States to sanction all Iranian banks, financial institutions and foreign-owned vessels linked to the Revolutionary Guard or designated terrorist entities.

The move comes amid ongoing maritime tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where a recent incident left an oil tanker disabled after an unknown projectile struck it. While no group has claimed responsibility, regional actors have previously accused Iran of targeting commercial vessels in the area.