Bessent Threatens New Iran Sanctions as Strait Traffic Stays Down More Than 90%
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 19
Bessent Threatens New Iran Sanctions as Strait Traffic Stays Down More Than 90%
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 19
Summary
Scott Bessent said the United States could impose “never before seen” economic measures on Iran as Trump revives maximum pressure with few military options.
Possible steps include secondary sanctions on buyers such as China and tighter penalties on financial transactions, aiming to squeeze Tehran beyond decades of existing restrictions.
Iran has adapted to sanctions since Trump quit the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, building smuggling routes and new oil markets rather than yielding quickly.
More than 90% of ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains down from prewar levels, while analysts say Tehran is more likely to escalate attacks on U.S. allies than surrender control.