US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks during a press conference to outline further sanctions against Iran, at the Treasury Department in Washington on Monday. (Photo: Reuters)
The United States on Monday warned that China and all other countries now face an increased risk of secondary sanctions if they do business with Iran as Washington launches a fresh campaign aimed at severing crucial economic lifelines for Tehran.Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the campaign, dubbed Operation Economic Outcast, will focus on five sectors - digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping.
"Those who stand with the United States will reap the rewards of our partnership. Those who tether themselves to the Iranian regime should expect to share in the isolation of a withering regime," Bessent said at a press conference.
"No one is above the reach of US sanctions," he said, stressing that any entity or country, including China, a key trading partner for Iran, may be targeted in the new operation.
The US threat came as President Donald Trump has struggled to reach an agreement with Iran towards ending their nearly six-month-old war and just a month before he plans to host Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House.
