U.S. Launches Economic D-Day Sanctions Against Iran

The Federal government of the United States launched an economic campaign described by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as an economic D-Day, imposing more than 70 new sanctions targeting Iran and its economic lifelines. The measures target approximately 60 entities, including oil-revenue networks and shadow fleet vessels, while threatening secondary sanctions against international partners that maintain trading ties with Iran. Bessent warned that partners must sever these ties or risk exclusion from the U.S. dollar-based financial system.

Oil markets initially fluctuated as Brent crude futures rose to approximately $92.16 per barrel, driven by increased tanker freight rates and war-risk insurance costs. However, prices later stabilized as traders viewed the immediate impact as marginal. Analysts noted that China remains the largest buyer of Iranian energy, creating uncertainty over whether the U.S. will risk its fragile trade truce with Beijing to enforce the sanctions.

Simultaneously, military tensions escalated in the Strait of Hormuz. An oil tanker was disabled by a projectile northeast of Ash Shishah, Oman, and Iran threatened 45 tankers for rule violations. While Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not rule out military force, Iran's Economy Minister Seyed Ali Madanizadeh stated the country is fully prepared for the U.S. campaign despite domestic fuel shortages.