US sanctions target Iran's economy in largest offensive

The United States announced its largest economic offensive against Iran on Monday, unveiling new sanctions described as "D-day" by officials. The measures target five economic sectors and expand secondary sanctions on countries and entities maintaining business ties with Iran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the goal is to cut off every financial lifeline supporting the Iranian government, warning that any economic cooperation with Iran will lead to confrontation with the full force of the US. The sanctions cover digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and maritime sectors, with nearly 60 entities, individuals, and ships also blacklisted. China, Turkey, and the UAE are Iran's largest trading partners, though Bessent did not name specific countries facing potential secondary sanctions. The US-Iran conflict approaches its six-month mark, with heavy fighting having subsided but diplomatic efforts to end the war stalled.