New Sanctions Move from the US and Record Drop in the Iranian Rial

While the new sanctions package announced by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent targets Iran's oil revenues and foreign trade networks, the dollar rose to 2,030,000 rials on the free market.

New Sanctions Package and Market Impact

With the new sanctions package announced by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Iran's oil revenues, financial channels, and foreign trade networks were directly targeted. Following these developments, the dollar exchange rate rose up to 2,030,000 rials on the free market.

Rates of Depreciation of the Rial

With this exchange rate increase, the Iranian rial has depreciated by 22 percent compared to its level on February 28, when the war began. The total value lost by the country's currency since the beginning of the year has exceeded the 42 percent threshold.

History of the Maximum Pressure Policy

Starting from 2018, the United States had attempted to reduce Iran's oil revenues and isolate the country from the financial system by implementing a maximum pressure policy. This strategy aimed to force a step back regarding the nuclear program.

Current Military and Economic Measures

The Donald Trump administration put this policy back into practice in 2025. While the conflicts that began following the economic pressure did not bring Iran to the desired point, the US plans to add military tools such as a naval blockade alongside economic sanctions.