The Trump administration is looking to increase economic pressure on Iran, with President Donald Trump vowing to hit the country hard economically. This comes after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the US would impose new measures on Tehran as soon as next week.
Sanctions and Blockades
The US has already applied sanctions, trade embargoes, and frozen assets since the late 1970s due to Iran’s nuclear program, human rights violations, and support for militant groups. Recent measures have targeted Iran’s shadow oil fleet, shipping insurers, and entities enabling Iran’s acquisition of weapons.
Experts suggest the Trump administration could impose sanctions on Chinese ‘teapot’ refiners, which account for a quarter of Chinese refinery capacity, and Chinese banks that process Iranian oil transactions. The US could also continue targeting Iranian individuals and entities helping Tehran evade sanctions.
A land blockade is another option, which would require assistance from Iran’s neighbors. This could increase pressure on the Iranian people by halting imports of food, energy, and textiles.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
