US Plans Toughest-Ever Sanctions on Iran, Bessent Says

By Aurax Radio | August 21, 2026 | 2 min read

The United States is preparing what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described as its toughest sanctions package ever against Iran as Washington shifts greater emphasis toward economic pressure. The administration is also pressing China to cooperate, raising the possibility of wider effects on international trade and energy markets as the confrontation with Tehran continues.

Pedestrian walking through a Tehran street as the United States prepares new sanctions against Iran.

A person walks through Tehran as the United States prepares additional sanctions aimed at intensifying economic pressure on Iran.

Bessent said Thursday that Washington would introduce sweeping new measures intended to intensify pressure on Iran and reduce the need for additional major military action. He said the Treasury Department would provide more details Monday, while President Donald Trump has warned countries that provide Iran with economic support that they could face consequences. The administration has not yet released the full scope of the planned sanctions, leaving unclear which industries, companies or countries could be directly targeted.

China has emerged as a central focus of the U.S. effort because of its extensive economic relationship with Iran, particularly its role as a major buyer of Iranian oil. Bessent called on Beijing to work with Washington, but China has maintained that sanctions are not an effective way to resolve the dispute and has favored diplomatic efforts. The disagreement adds another layer to already strained U.S.-China relations and could expose Chinese companies or financial institutions to additional U.S. penalties if Washington determines they are helping Iran circumvent sanctions.

The planned measures come after years of U.S. sanctions targeting Iran's oil exports, financial sector and other parts of its economy. Washington's latest strategy places economic isolation alongside military and diplomatic pressure as the conflict continues, while the potential impact extends beyond Iran because restrictions on its oil trade can affect global energy supplies and shipping. The United States has also been seeking international cooperation over the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global oil shipments, making China's response and the administration's planned sanctions significant for both the conflict and the wider global economy.

Sources: Reuters and Al Jazeera. Reuters report on U.S. sanctions against Iran

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