Washington is preparing a major new round of economic pressure on Iran as the Trump administration moves to tighten sanctions on Tehran and its trade partners.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States is entering an important stage in its campaign against Iran. He has warned that Washington plans to use some of its strongest economic tools yet.
The move comes as tensions remain high over Iran, oil trade and the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is a key route for global energy shipments. Any major disruption there could affect oil prices and trade across many countries.
Bessent has said the new measures will target Iran’s economic links and seek to cut off key sources of income. He has also urged other countries to work with Washington and reduce trade with Tehran.
Iran has strongly opposed the planned measures. An Iranian official said support for new US sanctions could be treated as an act of war. The warning shows how quickly an economic dispute could become a wider security crisis.
The Strait of Hormuz is a major part of the dispute. Iran has announced new rules for ships using the waterway. The move has added to concerns among traders and governments that shipping could face further pressure.
The United States has already used sanctions as a key part of its policy toward Iran. The latest plan would increase that pressure by focusing not only on Iran but also on companies and countries that continue to support its trade.
The goal is to reduce Tehran’s ability to earn money from energy sales and other exports. Washington hopes this pressure will force Iran to change its policies and limit its ability to support military activities.
The policy also creates risks for the wider global economy. Iran is a major oil producer, while the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes. A serious crisis in the area could push energy costs higher.
Higher oil prices can raise transport and production costs. That can then add to inflation in many countries. For consumers, this can mean higher prices for fuel, food and other goods.
Markets were already watching the situation closely on Monday. Oil prices fell during early trading as investors waited for more details about the US plan. The decline came despite continued concern about the wider Middle East crisis.
Gold prices also showed the effect of uncertainty. Gold climbed to its highest level in more than three months as investors looked for safer assets. The market was also watching US inflation data and the Federal Reserve’s next policy signals.
The Trump administration now faces a difficult balance. It wants to put strong pressure on Iran without creating a shock that could hurt the US and global economy.
For Iran, the new sanctions could make access to money, trade and energy markets harder. For other countries, the main concern will be whether they can continue trade with Iran without facing penalties from Washington.
The next steps will depend on how Iran responds and how other governments react. The dispute could remain an economic battle, but the growing tension around the Strait of Hormuz means the security risks cannot be ignored.
For now, Washington is signaling that it wants maximum economic pressure. Tehran is warning against further action. The result could shape both US foreign policy and global energy markets in the weeks ahead.
