Trump Vows Unprecedented Economic Measures Against Iran
Al-Taj News –
US President Donald Trump has pledged to intensify economic pressure on Iran, as Washington prepares to impose new and unprecedented measures on Tehran that could take effect within days.
These moves come amid decades of US and international sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program, human rights violations, and support for armed groups. Since the outbreak of the war in late February, Washington has expanded sanctions to include the shipping, energy, and financial sectors, while also targeting the shadow fleet transporting Iranian oil, insurance companies, and entities linked to arms purchases and digital currencies.
Trump faces several additional options to tighten the economic squeeze on Tehran:
Targeting Chinese Refineries: China accounts for more than 80% of Iranian oil exports, with independent Chinese refineries, known as “teapots,” playing a major role in this trade. Secondary sanctions on these refineries could reduce Iran’s ability to export oil, although their limited ties to the US financial system could make the impact of such sanctions less significant.
Sanctioning Chinese Banks: Washington has previously sanctioned small Chinese entities accused of facilitating transactions linked to Iranian oil. Targeting major Chinese banks could deter financial institutions from dealing with Tehran, but could also trigger an economic confrontation with Beijing.
Pursuing Sanctions-Evasion Networks: Washington could continue targeting companies and individuals in Iran, China, and Gulf states that help Tehran transfer oil revenues and finance its trade. However, experts say this approach resembles a game of “whack-a-mole,” as Iran can establish new entities to replace those that are sanctioned.
Land Blockade: Some US and Israeli officials have raised the possibility of imposing a land blockade with the assistance of neighboring countries, including Iraq, Türkiye, and Pakistan. However, implementing such a move would be geographically and politically complex and could increase pressure on the Iranian people without guaranteeing a change in Tehran’s behavior.
Secondary Tariffs: Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on countries that trade with Iran. A bill passed by the Senate also includes new sanctions on Tehran and additional tariff-related authorities, but it still requires approval from the House of Representatives.
The options under consideration indicate that Washington has several tools at its disposal to escalate pressure on Iran. However, expanding sanctions, particularly against China, could carry economic and geopolitical risks extending beyond the confrontation with Tehran.
Source: Reuters
