Updated

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said this week that Washington is expanding its economic pressure campaign against Iran well beyond oil and financial sanctions, targeting Tehran's overland trade routes, Iran-linked cryptocurrency and its remaining shipping network. The US Treasury separately sanctioned 17 vessels and their owners under Operation Economic Outcast, which officials said effectively neutralizes most of Iran's shadow fleet used to evade oil export restrictions. Iranian officials, including President Pezeshkian, have publicly vowed to resist the pressure, saying Iran's 15 land borders make it impossible to fully blockade. Meanwhile, an Iran International poll found 68% of respondents believe US sanctions are hurting ordinary Iranians more than the country's rulers, and analysts say Tehran is scrambling for alternative routes as Washington closes remaining economic lifelines.