US Sanctions Target Iran's Top Trade Partners: China, Iraq, UAE, Turkey

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled a new sanctions wave against Iran called "Operation Economic Outcast," designating nearly 60 entities, individuals, and ships. The expanded secondary sanctions target shipping, gold, aviation, technology, and digital assets. Bessent stated the goal is cutting all economic arteries sustaining Tehran's government until it is fully isolated. President Donald Trump is making phone calls to world leaders requesting immediate cessation of trade with Iran, though no specific countries or deadlines were named. Official customs data shows China as Iran's largest buyer at €12.5 billion, followed by Iraq at €10 billion, UAE at €6.14 billion, Turkey at €5.23 billion, and Afghanistan at €1.97 billion. The UAE imposed an indefinite embargo last week.