Updated

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said new sanctions are designed to 'squash' Iran's economy and 'collapse' its regime, warning allies they must decide whether they 'are with us or against us' on the measures. The sanctions push is part of Washington's broader campaign to press Iran economically, and Georgia's decision to break with the EU over the issue has added a diplomatic wrinkle to the effort. Iran has responded by warning nearby nations against joining what it calls the US 'economic war,' as Tehran seeks to prevent regional states from aligning with Washington's isolation campaign. The exchange underscores the widening diplomatic and economic fault lines as the US intensifies pressure aimed at weakening the Iranian government.