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U.S. President Donald Trump has pledged to intensify economic pressure on Iran as Washington prepares measures that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says could be unprecedented. Bessent is scheduled to hold a press conference Monday at 2 p.m. EDT.
Iran has faced U.S., United Nations and European Union sanctions for decades over its nuclear program, human rights record and support for militant groups. Since the Iran war began in February, Washington has expanded maritime, energy and financial restrictions while imposing a naval blockade.
According to the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, more than 1,000 individuals, vessels and aircraft have been sanctioned since Trump began his second term. Recent actions have targeted Iran’s shadow oil fleet, shipping insurers, weapons procurement networks and digital exchanges, freezing an estimated $500 billion in Iran-linked cryptocurrency.
Iran has condemned the prospect of additional U.S. sanctions as its economy struggles with existing restrictions and disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
One potential target is China’s independent “teapot” refineries, which purchase significant volumes of Iranian crude. China accounted for more than 80% of Iran’s shipped oil based on 2025 Kpler data. Washington could also escalate pressure on Chinese banks accused of facilitating Iranian oil transactions, although broader measures risk increasing tensions with Beijing.
Sanctions experts expect tougher enforcement against oil shippers, buyers, currency exchanges and other entities helping Tehran generate revenue. Additional aviation sanctions could also restrict Iran’s ability to maintain trade while maritime routes remain constrained.
Another possibility is a land blockade involving Iran’s neighbors, including Iraq, Turkey and Pakistan. However, experts say such an operation would be difficult to enforce and could severely disrupt imports of food, energy and textiles.
Trump has also threatened secondary tariffs against countries trading with Iran. While the Supreme Court struck down the previous legal basis for such tariffs, a Senate-approved Russia sanctions bill includes new Iran measures and potential tariff powers. The legislation still requires approval from the House of Representatives.
