US Prepares Economic Isolation Plan for Iran

The US is preparing to intensify economic pressure on Iran under a new plan. One of the main areas of focus could be China's oil sector, as Beijing buys more than 90% of Tehran's oil exports. Washington may impose sanctions against companies and organizations that help purchase and transport Iranian oil.

The US may also impose secondary sanctions on companies and banks that continue to cooperate with Iran, as well as increase pressure on exchange offices through which Tehran repatriates its foreign-currency earnings.

The USS George Washington aircraft carrier is being sent to the Middle East in response to problems with the Abraham Lincoln. The move could worsen relations between Washington and Beijing and cause another rise in global oil prices due to reduced supplies of Iranian crude.