The United States will apply the most severe sanctions in its history against Iran, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, according to a report by Bloomberght on Thursday.
Bessent’s statement signals an escalation in Washington’s economic pressure campaign targeting Tehran. The remarks were reported by the Turkish financial news outlet, which did not provide additional details on the timing or scope of the planned measures.
The announcement comes amid a broader debate over how much damage US sanctions can inflict on Iran’s economy. BBC reported on the potential impact of what it described as a US “economic landing” against Iran, while NTV Haber examined a plan it called an “economic doomsday” strategy and questioned how much strain it would place on Tehran.
Iranian officials have pushed back against the threat. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said new US economic sanctions would also fail, according to Anadolu Agency. Hürriyet separately reported that Iran has responded to the US sanctions decision.
The pattern of mutual escalation suggests both sides are bracing for a prolonged standoff. Washington appears committed to tightening financial restrictions, while Tehran insists it can withstand the pressure.
What to watch next is whether the US Treasury follows Bessent’s rhetoric with concrete action, and how Iran’s economy and diplomatic partners react to any new measures.
