Iran Vows Response to Expanded US Sanctions, Confident Allies Will Resist

Iran vowed to respond to expanded US economic sanctions announced Monday, expressing confidence key trade partners would resist American pressure. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled the measures but stopped short of the harshest penalties. Bessent warned nations trading with Iran risk exclusion from the dollar-based financial system, without specifying targets or timing. New sanctions hit 60 individuals, entities, and ships, but excluded Chinese financial institutions. Iran threatened military response and further Gulf oil export cuts. Iranian officials said China and Russia rejected the measures, predicting other nations would resist. Pakistan's army chief met Iran's president in a peace mission following talks with Trump. Oil prices fell over $2 despite supply disruption concerns.