US Keeps Military Options Open in Economic Pressure Campaign on Iran

The Trump administration is keeping military options open against Iran while launching a new economic pressure campaign, with War Secretary Pete Hegseth stating kinetic strikes are not ruled out. The move escalates tensions with Tehran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced "Operation Economic Outcast," imposing sanctions on over 60 Iran-linked targets and threatening broader secondary sanctions. Washington is giving Iran's trading partners a chance to cooperate before facing severe penalties, though China was spared from Monday's measures. The strategy pressures Iran's partners to choose between Tehran and the U.S. financial system, while Hegseth said Iran cannot withstand the economic strain. The administration is pursuing economic and military tracks simultaneously.