US Slams Brakes on Iran Oil Exports with New Sanctions

The United States has announced new economic sanctions against Iran, aiming to cut off its last avenues for selling oil and collecting exports. According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the US is preparing 'the toughest' sanctions yet, combining a blockade with additional financial pressure.

Donald Trump has warned countries that continue to provide support to Iran of consequences, but the exact scope of the new sanctions remains unknown. The Iranian response has been swift, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi arguing that Washington is repeating a strategy used by previous US administrations and will not succeed in forcing capitulation.

The US has already sanctioned some Chinese companies involved in transporting Iranian oil, but Beijing remains the main buyer of Iran's crude exports. Over 80% of Iranian oil transported by sea went to China in 2025, with a volume of around 1.38 million barrels per day. The US is now threatening to sanction any country that continues to buy Iranian oil.