Iran Vows to Resist Expanded U.S. Sanctions Targeting Its Economy

Iran denounced expanded U.S. sanctions on Tuesday as "gross lawlessness," expressing confidence many countries would not join the pressure campaign. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled the measures but stopped short of the most punishing options. The new sanctions target 60 individuals, entities and vessels but exclude Chinese financial institutions suspected of facilitating Iran's oil trade. China, Iran's biggest oil buyer, said its cooperation with Iran should not be interfered with. Iran's economy minister predicted other countries would resist the measures. An oil tanker was struck near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, and Iran and Oman discussed a joint navigational corridor through the strait. The U.S. is sending personnel back to some Middle East diplomatic missions, suggesting lower escalation risk. Public approval of the war fell to its lowest level.