Trump’s Iran Sanctions Fall Short of ‘Toughest Ever’ Promise

The US announced sanctions on nearly 60 Iran-linked entities, individuals, and vessels on Monday, fulfilling a promise of "toughest sanctions in history" but stopping short of the most severe measures. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent framed the action as "economic asphyxiation" on Tehran. The operation, named Operation Economic Outcast, threatens secondary sanctions against Iran's trade partners, including China, its largest oil buyer. Experts note Washington stepped back from targeting major foreign financial institutions directly, fearing global economic disruption, with Bessent citing concerns about "blowing up the global financial system." Iran has weathered sanctions for decades and is expected to adapt, while Beijing vowed to safeguard its interests. The measures' impact depends on enforcement, with analysts viewing the announcement as a warning shot rather than a full economic blockade.