The United States announced a new round of sanctions against Iran on Monday, aiming to sever critical financial channels supporting Tehran’s government and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The U.S. Treasury Department identified five sectors targeted by the measures: digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated these actions are intended to "tighten the noose" on Iran’s revenue sources and warned that countries and entities continuing trade with Iran could face intensified secondary sanctions.
The Treasury Department emphasized that nations have set deadlines to halt identified transactions involving Iran, and failure to comply would prompt unilateral enforcement by U.S. authorities. Additionally, entities found to be facilitating money laundering on behalf of Iran risk exclusion from the U.S. dollar financial system.
China swiftly condemned the U.S. sanctions, describing them as "illegal" and lacking authorization from the United Nations Security Council. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian underscored that China’s cooperation with Iran operates within international law and should not be disrupted. He warned that such economic pressure tactics exacerbate tensions, increase global spillover risks, and undermine the international economic and financial order. Lin called for a de-escalation of hostilities and a return to dialogue and negotiation to resolve the dispute.
In Tehran, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged the United States to adopt a revised approach in bilateral relations during a meeting Monday with Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, according to Mehr News Agency. Separately, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf expressed Tehran’s commitment to implementing provisions of a June memorandum of understanding with the United States during discussions with Munir, Tasnim News Agency reported.
The U.S.-Iran relationship has been marked by longstanding antagonism since the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the subsequent hostage crisis, during which Iranian students seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and detained American diplomats. Since then, Washington has maintained a comprehensive sanctions regime, periodically broadening its scope over four decades.
Analysts suggest that the latest sanctions may complicate global economic conditions and diplomatic negotiations. Despite mounting pressure, Iran continues active communications with regional partners and mediators such as Oman and Pakistan, indicating an ongoing search for diplomatic avenues amid increasing geopolitical tensions.