United States intensifies economic pressure campaign against Iran

The United States has launched a new campaign to isolate the Iranian economy, with President Donald Trump vowing to “collapse this regime” in Tehran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that any remaining economic ties to Iran will lead to “economic oblivion” for the involved nations, calling on allies and China to join the pressure campaign.

Vice President JD Vance described the strategy as a “delicate dance,” noting that the administration is shifting toward maximum economic pressure as its primary tool to avoid a “large-scale kinetic restart” of military operations. While specific measures have not yet been detailed, Bessent indicated he would provide more information during a press conference on Monday.

In response, Iran has branded the US threats as “economic terrorism” and stated the campaign will fail. The escalation comes as President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit the White House on September 24, and US officials have urged Beijing to “get with the program” regarding the sanctions.