US launches "Operation Economic Pariah" against Iran: sanctions target 60 companies and vessels

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has announced the launch of what is being called "Operation Economic Pariah" — a sweeping package of sanctions targeting Iran. According to Reuters, the restrictions will hit around 60 companies, individuals and vessels linked to the Iranian regime.

"Iran now faces an absolutely clear choice. There are only two paths ahead: complete global isolation, or a return to normal relations with the possibility of rejoining the world economy," Bessent said at a press conference on Monday. He added that the new operation is designed to strip Iran's leadership of any other options.

Who is being targeted

The sanctions are aimed, among others, at a network of intermediary firms operating so-called "shadow fleet" vessels registered in the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Switzerland and various European countries.

The US Treasury Department noted that particular attention has been paid to the digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and maritime shipping sectors — areas where, according to American officials, secondary sanctions against third countries are most likely to be applied.

An ultimatum for Iran's partners

According to Bessent, every country has been given "set deadlines" to wind down activities that the Treasury has flagged as problematic. Officials from the Treasury, the State Department and the US military are already holding meetings with foreign counterparts to make Washington's expectations clear.

"The clock is ticking," the secretary stressed. He added that countries siding with the United States will benefit from partnership with Washington, while those that continue to back the Iranian regime will share its fate.

Source: novinky.cz