US Unveils 'Greatest Financial Offensive Ever' Against Iran

The United States is set to broaden its secondary sanctions against Iran in an effort to isolate the country economically, according to a source familiar with the plans. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will outline measures at 1 p.m. (1700 GMT) on Monday that aim to cut off entities and countries tied to Iran from the dollar-based financial system.

The move is part of Washington's efforts to pressure Tehran into ending its attacks on ships in the Gulf and Red Sea, which began after US and Israeli air strikes against it in February. Iran has dismissed the threat, saying it will have the opposite effect.

The sanctions are expected to target oil shippers, purchasers, and currency exchangers who help Iran pay for its imports, as well as the aviation sector. President Donald Trump has threatened tariffs on goods from countries doing business with Iran, including Turkey, Iraq, and India, although the Supreme Court struck down the legal basis for such taxes.

Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir visited Iran on Monday for talks, which aimed to promote regional peace and stability. The White House confirmed that Trump had called Munir last week, with the main request being to bring Iran back to negotiations.