Washington, April 16 (NationPress) The Trump administration has escalated its economic pressure on Iran, issuing warnings regarding stricter sanctions, including secondary penalties for nations and financial institutions engaging with Iranian oil. This initiative is part of a broader strategy that officials have characterized as an amalgamation of financial and geopolitical pressure.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the United States was amplifying its financial offensive against Iran through what he termed “Operation Economic Fury.”

“For over a year, we have maintained maximum pressure on Iran, focusing on obstructing payments to the Iranian government and targeting the accounts of the IRGC,” Bessent stated.

He elaborated that the US is urging allied nations to adopt more robust measures, including freezing assets associated with Iran’s leadership. “We have communicated our request to freeze additional funds belonging to the IRGC leadership and any members of the Iranian government,” he remarked.

Bessent cautioned that the administration is ready to impose secondary sanctions on countries and entities that continue to engage with Iranian oil revenues.

“We have informed nations that if they are purchasing Iranian oil or if Iranian funds are present in their financial systems, we are prepared to apply secondary sanctions,” he warned, labeling this as “a very serious measure.”

He framed these actions as part of a larger escalation scheme. “This represents the financial equivalent of the kinetic operations we have witnessed,” Bessent said, affirming when asked if this signaled a new phase: “Precisely.”

The Treasury Secretary noted that enforcement actions are already in progress, highlighting that warnings have been sent to financial institutions. “Two Chinese banks have received notices from the US Treasury,” he mentioned, adding that further actions would ensue if Iranian funds are traced through their networks.

Bessent also indicated that the US would tighten restrictions related to energy. “We will not be extending the general license concerning Iranian oil,” he stated, indicating a more stringent approach to curtailing Tehran’s export income.

He connected the increasing pressure to recent developments in the region, noting that Iranian actions have altered the responses of neighboring countries. “One of the… errors made by the Iranians was attacking their GCC neighbors,” he observed, adding that those nations are now “far more transparent” in monitoring financial transactions.

The administration remarked that these economic strategies are part of a coordinated effort alongside ongoing diplomatic discussions.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the strategy is designed to achieve long-term security objectives. “This is a short-term disruption aimed at the long-term strategic interests of the United States,” she stated.

Officials indicated that the pressure campaign would persist alongside negotiations, with sanctions intended to undermine Iran’s financial capabilities while discussions continue.