United States launches ‘Operation Economic Outcast’ sanctions against Iran

The United States has launched ‘Operation Economic Outcast,’ a new campaign of secondary sanctions aimed at isolating the Iranian economy and cutting off the regime's ability to fund its military apparatus. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the initiative as an economic attack designed to sever financial lifelines, targeting sectors including digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and maritime shipping.

In the initial phase, the Treasury Department sanctioned approximately 60 entities, individuals, and vessels linked to nuclear and missile technology procurement, cyber operations, and oil revenues. The White House is pursuing a ‘zero leakage’ approach, threatening third-party countries, banks, and companies with exclusion from the U.S. financial system if they continue to trade with Iran.

Tehran has responded sharply to the measures. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei dismissed the campaign as ‘pure parody,’ accusing Washington of attempting to frame a lack of international support as a broad coalition. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the increased economic pressure would not achieve its goals and that the country would continue to resist.