Iran Vows to Resist Expanded US Sanctions, Says Washington Seeks Talks

Iran pledged to resist expanded U.S. sanctions aimed at isolating its economy, claiming major trading partners would resist the pressure and that Washington seeks revived talks. The measures were unveiled Monday by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Bessent warned countries trading with Iran risked exclusion from the dollar-based financial system but gave no timeline or specific targets. New sanctions hit 60 individuals, entities, and vessels, excluding Chinese banks suspected of facilitating Iran's oil trade, with China the biggest buyer. Iranian officials said Pakistan's army chief delivered a U.S. message, suggesting a goal of reviving political talks. A tanker was struck near the Strait of Hormuz, and oil transits have fallen sharply from pre-war levels.