US Says It Will Impose ‘Toughest Sanctions in History’ on Iran

Washington Steps Up Economic Pressure as Iran Tensions Escalate                                  

                                 

The United States is preparing to impose what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described as the “toughest sanctions in history” on Iran, as Washington intensifies economic pressure on Tehran.

Bessent said the new measures would form part of a broader campaign alongside the existing US blockade, with the goal of putting severe pressure on Iran’s economy and government. He said further details would be announced at a press conference on Monday.

US Pressures China to Cooperate

Washington is also calling on China and other countries to cooperate with the sanctions campaign. China is particularly important because it has been a major buyer of Iranian oil, with Reuters reporting that more than 80% of Iran’s oil exports went to China in 2025.

Beijing has rejected sanctions as a solution to the crisis and has called for diplomatic efforts instead.

Iran Rejects US Threat

Iran has dismissed the proposed sanctions as “economic terrorism”, with Iranian officials arguing that Washington's strategy will not force Tehran to surrender.

The escalating economic confrontation is already affecting global markets, with oil prices rising as uncertainty grows around Iranian oil exports and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

For ordinary people, the biggest concern is whether the latest pressure will help bring the conflict closer to an end—or trigger higher fuel prices, more expensive goods and a wider international economic crisis.