The US is expanding sanctions on Iran's financial networks, targeting crypto, gold, aviation and shipping. Analysts say the measures may fuel inflation and strengthen informal markets without changing Tehran's behavior.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has unveiled a new phase of Washington's economic campaign against Iran, this time aimed not only at sanctioned Iranian institutions but at the international networks Tehran has used to keep money and goods moving.
Speaking on August 24, Bessent said the United States would target what he called five economic lifelines: digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping. He also warned foreign entities that help the country illicitly move money around.
"Any entity that facilitates money laundering for Iran will be removed from the US dollar-based financial system," Bessent said. "The countdown starts now."
The approach represents an effort to tighten secondary sanctions, putting pressure on companies, financial intermediaries and trading partners outside Iran rather than simply adding restrictions on an economy already heavily sanctioned.
