US Threatens Severe Sanctions Against Countries with Economic Ties to Iran

The US administration has announced that severe secondary sanctions will be applied to all countries and entities maintaining economic relations with Iran. It was reported that Tehran's financial connections will be targeted through a move dubbed 'Operation Economic Pariahs'.

Operation Economic Pariahs

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the launch of the operation, which constitutes a comprehensive economic offensive against Iran's financial connections.

Bessent emphasized that no one, including those facilitating transactions related to Iranian oil, is outside the reach of US sanctions.

Threat of Sanctions and Exclusion from the Dollar System

It was stated that violating countries and institutions will be given a certain period to sever their ties.

Furthermore, it was stated that any entity acting as an intermediary for money laundering activities on behalf of Iran will be directly expelled from the US dollar system.

International Reactions and the China Dimension

The Chinese Embassy in Washington stated that the pressure policies and sanctions put into effect by the US do not contribute to the resolution of the problem.

The extent of the potential tension between the US administration and China, which is Iran's largest trading partner, is not yet clear.

Iran's Retaliation Threat

Major General Ali Abdullahi, Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, announced that they would retaliate against countries participating in the US-led isolation campaign.

Abdullahi said this retaliation could encompass land, sea, air, or cyber operations and that Iran would respond to this policy.

Regional Developments and Military Options

Following the measures announced by the US, the United Arab Emirates publicly announced that it has suspended its trade relations with Iran.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth noted that military moves or kinetic strikes remain among the options on the table.