US and Iran Trade Warnings Ahead of New Sanctions
The United States and Iran have exchanged fresh warnings ahead of new sanctions set to be announced on Monday, amidst ongoing tensions in the region. The US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is scheduled to announce what has been described as 'the toughest sanctions in history', which could affect not only Iran but also its major trading partners, including China, which purchased over 80% of Iranian seaborne oil in 2025.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has described the planned measures as an assertion of US authority over other countries and said secondary sanctions have no basis in international law. The situation remains tense, with neither side actively exchanging fire or pursuing peace negotiations. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for a diplomatic resolution, while military chief Major General Ali Abdollahi warned of 'crushing, punishing and devastating responses' to further threats.
Oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains sharply reduced, with only four commodity vessels crossing the strait on Thursday, none of them large crude carriers or LNG tankers. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said military operations have helped move a seven-day average of 8 million barrels per day through the waterway, down from more than 20 million barrels before the conflict.
Iran retains enough missile and drone capability to threaten tankers and regional rivals after US attacks weakened its navy, air force and wider economy. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf acknowledged the economic pressure, warning that military strength would not sustain the country without financial activity, economic growth and domestic production.