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![\"US](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/iran\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6a8d2b2bb506f6e337380c2c.jpg\")
<\/p>\n WASHINGTON
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The United States on Aug. 24 launched a broad economic campaign against Iran<\/a>, sanctioning nearly 60 entities, individuals and vessels and warning third countries that continued dealings with Tehran could expose them to U.S. measures.<\/p>\n Iran responded by threatening to halt oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz and elsewhere in the Persian Gulf if other countries supported Washington\u2019s campaign.<\/p>\n The Treasury Department said Operation Economic Outcast expanded the scope for secondary sanctions in five sectors: digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping.<\/p>\n Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington was \u201centering the endgame\u201d and described the campaign as an \u201ceconomic D-Day.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOur objective is to sever every economic lifeline that sustains this tyrannical regime until Tehran stands alone,\u201d Bessent said.<\/p>\n The campaign puts pressure on governments, companies and financial institutions that continue to facilitate Iranian oil sales or financial transactions.<\/p>\n Bessent accused Iran\u2019s trading partners of buying and transporting its petroleum, channeling funds through exchange houses and free-trade zones, tolerating ship-to-ship fuel transfers and allowing Tehran to use their banking and transport systems.<\/p>\n He said each country had been given a deadline to end activities identified by Washington, without disclosing the time frames. Failure to comply would prompt unilateral action by the Treasury, he added.<\/p>\n Financial institutions found to be facilitating money laundering or sanctions evasion on Iran\u2019s behalf could also be cut off from the U.S. dollar system.<\/p>\n The Treasury said the latest sanctions targeted networks involved in procuring nuclear and missile technology, a cyber group directed by Iran\u2019s Ministry of Intelligence and Security and oil revenue networks operating through brokers, companies and shadow-fleet vessels.<\/p>\n The networks operated in several jurisdictions, including the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Switzerland and Europe, it said.<\/p>\n China, Iran\u2019s largest oil customer, rejected Washington\u2019s pressure campaign. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said sanctions would heighten tensions and serve no one\u2019s interests, urging restraint and a return to dialogue.<\/p>\n Beijing would closely follow developments and take measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests, he added.<\/p>\n Tehran, meanwhile, warned other countries against joining the U.S. campaign.<\/p>\n Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran\u2019s Supreme National Security Council, said that if the economic pressure continued, \u201cnot a single drop of oil will be exported\u201d through the Strait of Hormuz or elsewhere in the Persian Gulf.<\/p>\n Iran would regard any country\u2019s participation in or support for Washington\u2019s campaign as \u201can act of war<\/a>,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n Iranian lawmakers have also moved forward with plans to charge vessels using the Strait of Hormuz. Parliament\u2019s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee on Aug. 23 approved a provision allowing fees for navigation, environmental, fuel, insurance, security and other services.<\/p>\n The proposal must still be approved by the full parliament and reviewed by the Guardian Council before it can take effect.<\/p>\n