Trump's 'Economic D-Day' Against Iran: How Sanctions Will Work

The Trump administration has announced an "economic D-Day" against Iran, a sweeping new sanctions campaign aimed at crippling Tehran's economy, drawing a parallel to the 1944 Normandy invasion. The move intensifies pressure on Iran, which is already reeling from recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes and record-low currency values. A key focus is China, which has bought an estimated 80% of Iran's shipped oil, largely through independent "teapot" refineries. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that "no one is above the reach of U.S. sanctions," though he did not specify if Chinese banks would be targeted, while China has called the sanctions "illegal" and promised to protect its interests. Iran's economy is forecast to shrink by up to 5.4% this year, with soaring inflation and a plummeting rial. However, the country retains retaliatory capabilities, including cyberattacks on U.S. and U.K. infrastructure, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could tighten its grip, leaving the conflict's outcome uncertain.