Can Sanctions Succeed Where War Failed Against Iran?

The United States has launched a new sanctions campaign against Iran, aiming to sever all economic lifelines supporting the regime after nearly six months of war. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the measures Monday, warning nations doing business with Iran to expect isolation. The sanctions follow a failed 60-day ceasefire deadline and shift in U.S. war goals from curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions to regime change and control of the Strait of Hormuz. Past maximum pressure campaigns have been circumvented through smuggling, raising doubts about effectiveness. China, a major Iranian oil buyer, opposes unilateral sanctions, complicating enforcement. Iranian civilians face severe economic hardship from the naval blockade, with soaring shipping costs and medicine shortages. Tehran officials threaten retaliation against countries joining the economic war, targeting oil tankers beyond the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has become a test of endurance between both sides.