US Unveils New Sanctions on Iran Amid Deepening Strait of Hormuz Crisis
Washington is preparing to unveil major new sanctions on Tehran as the conflict between the US and Iran reaches a new level of tension. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global energy supplies, has seen shipping activity grind to a halt due to the ongoing crisis.
The US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, is set to announce the new measures on Monday, which are described as among the most severe sanctions ever imposed on Iran. The Trump administration is also seeking cooperation from China, the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, with data showing that China accounted for more than 80% of Iran's shipped oil in 2025.
Tehran has strongly rejected Washington's planned sanctions, with Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei accusing the US of attempting to impose its authority beyond its own borders. The conflict has severely disrupted one of the world's most important energy routes, with only four commodity vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday.