U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, emphasized that the Trump administration does not rule out military action against Iran, even as Washington announces a decisive 'economic attack' on Tehran.
Hegseth told reporters, "We do not rule out military strikes anywhere in the Strait of Hormuz or across Iran," adding that Tehran cannot withstand the economic pressures imposed, according to Reuters.
These statements come after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bisett revealed earlier on Monday Washington's plans to 'choke' Iran economically, which include threats of secondary American sanctions, warning of severe consequences for countries that refuse to join Washington's pressure campaign on Tehran.
During a press conference, Bisett stated, "Our goal worldwide is to cut every economic artery that keeps the Iranian regime afloat until Tehran stands alone," adding, "We will hold everyone accountable. This is the economic chokehold policy targeting this regime."
He also emphasized that countries not joining U.S. sanctions "will share Iran's isolation," clarifying that President Donald Trump is reaching out to world leaders to urge them to stop dealings with Tehran.
Furthermore, he explained that "any entity facilitating money laundering for Iran will be cut off from the U.S. dollar system. The countdown has just begun."
5 Key Sectors
The Treasury Department announced in a statement that it issued "measures targeting five key sectors: digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and maritime shipping, which the Iranian regime uses in attempts to support its dwindling economy."
When asked if Chinese banks dealing with Iran would face sanctions, Bisett replied, "No one is exempt from American sanctions."
60 Individuals, Entities, and Ships
The U.S. State Department explained in a statement that the sanctions targeting 60 individuals, entities, and ships linked to Iran aimed at networks enabling Tehran's illicit purchasing and selling of its oil and petrochemical products.
The State Department said the sanctions targeted two entities in Iran that assisted the Revolutionary Guards in "targeting U.S. forces and regional partners."
It added that sanctions also extended to customs intermediaries and companies that assisted Iran's 'shadow fleet' and oil and petrochemical traders in Iran.
Conversely, Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madani Zadeh told state television, "We are fully prepared for U.S. sanctions."
Bisett had written in an article published by the Financial Times on Sunday that Washington will launch the "biggest economic offensive ever" against Iran, likening it to the D-Day known in English as the allied landing in Normandy, which was a turning point in winning World War II.
These developments follow around six months of deadlock between Washington and Tehran, with peace talks stalling and Iran continuing to disrupt navigation through the vital Strait of Hormuz.