Iran Prepares to Keep Economy Alive as US Threatens Further Sanctions

Iran is preparing new measures to keep its economy functioning as the United States threatens another wave of sanctions and economic pressure.

Washington has already imposed trade restrictions, frozen Iranian assets and taken part in a naval blockade affecting shipping. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that further measures could be introduced soon, describing them as potentially unprecedented in the history of economic isolation.

Iran faces mounting economic pressure

The new US measures could target key parts of Iran’s economy as Washington seeks to increase pressure on Tehran. The threats come amid a wider confrontation involving military attacks, restrictions on Iranian ports and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has largely halted vessel traffic through the strategic waterway and says it will not reopen the Strait until Washington changes its approach and addresses demands including an end to the war and compensation for damage caused by the conflict.

For Iran, keeping trade and essential supplies moving has therefore become a central economic priority.

Tehran prepares alternative strategies

Iranian authorities are expected to rely increasingly on alternative trade channels, regional economic partnerships and measures designed to reduce the impact of US restrictions.

The government is also signalling that it may shift from defensive to offensive operations if pressure continues to increase, adding a military dimension to an already severe economic confrontation.

The Strait of Hormuz remains particularly important. Any prolonged disruption threatens not only Iran’s exports but also regional and global energy markets, while the US blockade increases pressure on Iran’s ability to trade by sea.

A high-stakes economic confrontation

The coming sanctions could deepen Iran’s existing economic difficulties by restricting access to foreign markets, financial networks and shipping.

Tehran’s challenge is to preserve domestic economic stability while confronting Washington without further isolating itself internationally. The United States, meanwhile, appears intent on using unprecedented economic pressure to force Iran to change its policies.

The result is a confrontation in which sanctions, maritime restrictions and military threats are increasingly intertwined. Iran’s ability to maintain trade and essential economic activity could become a decisive factor in how long it can withstand the growing pressure.