US expands sanctions on Iran, aiming to cut off its economic lifelines
The US on Monday announced expanded secondary sanctions against Iran covering five new economic sectors. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the goal is to sever every economic lifeline sustaining the regime in Tehran.
The United States on Monday announced an expansion of secondary sanctions targeting Iran, extending them to five additional economic sectors. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told a news conference in Washington that the aim is to cut off every economic lifeline currently sustaining Tehran.
The move came shortly after President Donald Trump wrote on social media that Iran is "completely collapsing."
Regional developments
Tensions across the Middle East remain high on multiple fronts. Rescuers said Israeli strikes in the central Gaza Strip killed three people, including a child, on Sunday. The strikes followed the killing of a Palestinian teenager by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank two days earlier, after a rock-throwing incident.
Separately, Iran said Pakistan's army chief was due to visit Tehran on Monday, pointing to continued diplomatic contacts in the region despite the pressure from Washington.
In Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for a two-day visit centered on bilateral agreements and the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
