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US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said American sanctions are designed to 'squash' Iran's economy and 'collapse' its regime, warning allies that they will need to decide whether they are 'with us or against us' regarding the sanctions campaign. The comments underscore Washington's intensified economic pressure campaign against Tehran following the recent conflict. New reporting details how the latest round of sanctions specifically targets Iran's aviation, technology, and shipping sectors, amplifying pressure not only on Iran's economy but also rippling through global markets and consumers via higher energy and shipping costs. Analysts note the measures are contributing to broader disruptions in international trade routes and fuel prices already affected by the earlier conflict.