US expands Iran sanctions; Tehran vows retaliation
The US expanded sanctions against Iran on Monday, prompting Tehran to vow retaliation. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced measures targeting 60 individuals, entities, and vessels, while warning countries trading with Iran risked exclusion from the dollar system. Bessent stopped short of the most punishing sanctions, declining to identify targeted countries or set penalty dates to allow compliance time. Iran's economy minister said Tehran was prepared, while a Revolutionary Guard spokesperson threatened strikes on US interests and energy chokepoints. The war has degraded Iran's military but left it able to threaten Gulf shipping. Oil prices fell over $2 per barrel despite supply disruption risks. Pakistan's army chief visited Tehran on a peace mission following talks with President Trump.