Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has dismissed a new US sanctions package expected on Monday, describing Washington’s campaign as a familiar cycle of pressure that has failed to force Tehran into submission.
Araghchi said the latest measures amounted to watching the “same movie playing over and over again”, arguing that the pressure being imposed by US President Donald Trump’s administration was no different from that used by previous US governments.
He also criticised what he described as Washington’s “bullying”, as the United States prepares to expand its economic campaign against Iran amid an escalating confrontation that has already lasted nearly six months.
Araghchi’s comments came as Washington signalled that its next round of measures would go beyond targeting Iran itself, potentially placing pressure on countries, financial institutions, energy companies and shipping operators that continue to conduct business with Tehran.
Bessent threatens countries trading with Iran
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that Washington will deploy what he called the “toughest sanctions in history” against Iran, saying the measures are intended to “collapse” the Iranian government.
Speaking to CNBC, Bessent described the strategy as a “one-two punch”, combining the US blockade with intensified economic sanctions.
“We’re going to them and saying: You’re either with us or against us,” Bessent said, warning countries that continue transferring money, buying Iranian oil or providing seaborne transport for Iranian trade that they could face US penalties.
Bessent said Washington would use the “full might and force” of the US Treasury and government to enforce the measures against those continuing to do business with Iran.
He characterised the campaign as the “greatest coordinated economic isolation in the history of the world” and urged US allies and other countries to decide whether they would cooperate with Washington’s efforts.
The threat represents a significant expansion of the pressure campaign because it places third countries at the centre of the confrontation.
Countries that maintain commercial relations with Iran could face a choice between preserving access to Iranian energy and markets or limiting their exposure to US financial and economic penalties.
The approach could also put additional pressure on shipping companies and oil traders operating in and around the Gulf, where the confrontation has already affected maritime traffic.
Bessent’s warning came a day after Trump said he would unleash what he called the “most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country” against Iran.
Trump also threatened “tremendous consequences” for countries that continue to engage economically with Tehran.
Rezaei warns of Gulf oil disruption
Iran’s response has also taken a sharper turn, with security chief Mohsen Rezaei warning that Tehran could retaliate if Washington continues what he described as an “economic war”.
Rezaei said Iran could halt all oil exports from the Gulf and warned that countries supporting US sanctions could be treated as committing an “act of war”.
The warning raises the stakes for the global energy market because the Gulf remains one of the world’s most important sources of oil and gas exports.
Iran announces major gas discovery
Amid the escalating pressure, Iran announced the discovery of more than 200 billion cubic metres of natural gas in the southern Fars province.
More than 160 billion cubic metres of the newly identified reserves could potentially be recoverable, according to Iranian authorities.
The discovery comes at a critical time for Iran’s energy sector, which has faced disruption following months of US-Israeli strikes targeting gas facilities, oil depots and transport routes.
Oman prepares Tehran talks
Against the backdrop of escalating economic and military pressure, Oman is preparing a diplomatic engagement with Tehran.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi is due to travel to Tehran on Tuesday for talks with Iranian officials, according to Iran’s Foreign Ministry.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Albusaidi will meet Araghchi to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues.
Baghaei said the trip would support stronger bilateral cooperation and continue sustained political consultations between the two countries.
He said the discussions were aimed at helping strengthen peace and stability in the region.
