What’s included in new US sanctions campaign to pressure Iran’s economy?

What's included in new US sanctions campaign to pressure Iran's economy?

Key points

• The Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has continued specific sanctions on almost 60 entities, individuals and vessels that it notes are enabling Iranian activity.
• US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed what his department called "an economic onslaught" against Iran on Monday that combined new sanctions with threats against Tehran's trading partners.
• The United States will set timelines for other countries to shut down economic activity with Iran and threatens unspecified actions if they do not comply.
• These include China-based firms that supplied what the Treasury considers dual-use items for a previously sanctioned Iranian technology institute.
• Death toll reaches 157 as hundreds remain missing after Nepal-Tibet border flood.

In practice, the US will set timelines for countries to shut down economic activity with Iran. Published August 25, 2026.

His statement halted short of some of the most punishing sanctions and did not list specific countries that would be targeted or when those penalties would take effect. Here's a summary of actions he confirmed.

For context, the United States will set timelines for other countries to shut down economic activity with Iran and threatens unspecified actions if they do not comply.

Foreign entities that facilitate funds laundering or sanctions evasion for Iran risk being cut off from the US financial system.

More types of economic activity with Iran may now lead to secondary sanctions on other countries, individuals or entities regardless of where they are located.

These newly listed activities include dealings in digital assets like cryptocurrency, technology, gold, aviation and shipping. Sanctions on specific Iran-linked entities, individuals and vessels.

Meanwhile, the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has continued specific sanctions on almost 60 entities, individuals and vessels that it notes are enabling Iranian activity.

In practice, the new sanctions target the Iranian defence ministry's ballistic and nuclear procurement network, a cyber group the US notes is behind attacks on its infrastructure, and the shipping, trading and financial network involved in Iranian oil sales.

OFAC has additionally suspended a number of licences that previously allowed some remittance payments to Iran and Iranian access to the US cultural and academic system.

More than 20 of the new sanctions are targeted at entities and individuals in the Middle East and Asia that the Treasury notes are involved in financial and logistical backing for Iranian nuclear research and missile development.

For context, the US is expanding sanctions on a number of previously sanctioned individuals, accusing them of involvement in cybercrime or threats to US national security.

New sanctions aimed at stopping Iran's oil exports include vessel brokers, bunkering service providers and financial intermediaries. These name a number of individuals and entities based in the United Arab Emirates and others in Singapore and Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, the Treasury additionally identified five tankers as part of what it called a "shadow fleet" and are listed as "blocked property, " meaning OFAC prohibits US nationals or residents based in the United States from having any financial transactions with them. Create us preferred on Google.

US Army moves to deploy tiny nuclear reactors at remote bases for smooth power supply.

US panel calls for sanctions on Modi-linked RSS members, urges Bhagwat visa revoked.

Iran, Oman discuss temporary Hormuz corridor as impasse with US drags on. Mamdani opposes NYC event with leader of India's Hindu nationalist group. Trump administration problems pause on visa appointments for applicants worldwide. US starts sending diplomatic staff back to Middle East posts.

Explainer: What are H-1B visas for skilled workers and what changes loom?

Taken together, the developments around whats included in new US sanctions campaign to pressure Irans economy? Point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.