US tests economic warfare against Iran as military front stalls

The US Treasury announced an unprecedented sanctions campaign against Iran, called Operation Economic Pariah, to weaken Tehran while military options remain stalled. Treasury Secretary Bessent compared the effort to D-Day in World War II. Bessent said the goal is to cut all economic support for Iran's regime until it stands alone, but delayed immediate sanctions to allow behavior correction and avoid disrupting the global financial system. The measures target ghost tanker networks in the UAE, China, Singapore, Switzerland, and Europe. The announcement follows a 60-day sanctions relief period ending in late June, and comes a month before Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Washington. China purchased nearly 80% of Iran's exported oil last year, with Bessent warning no one is above US sanctions.