US expands Iran sanctions with 'Economic Exile' operation

The United States has launched a new sanctions campaign against Iran, expanding secondary sanctions and targeting key sectors of its economy. The operation, named "Economic Exile," began on August 24. The new measures expand secondary sanctions on organizations and countries doing business with Tehran, adding restrictions on digital assets, gold, aviation, technology, and shipping. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the goal is to cut off all economic support for the Iranian regime, with violators facing exclusion from the US dollar system. Most secondary sanctions will not be immediate, with a grace period for compliance. Bessent noted President Donald Trump is calling world leaders to urge them to cease engagement with Iran, presenting Tehran with a choice between "total global isolation" or a path back to normal economic integration.