U.S. tightens Iran sanctions as Tehran reportedly considers return to June agreement

The United States is intensifying economic pressure on Iran with a new campaign of sanctions targeting key parts of the country's economy.

(CNN)- The United States is intensifying economic pressure on Iran with a new campaign of sanctions targeting key parts of the country’s economy.

The U.S. Treasury Department’s measures target sectors including aviation, shipping, gold and digital assets. Washington is also warning countries that maintain economic ties with Tehran that they could face additional sanctions.

Experts say the measures could have significant consequences for ordinary Iranians.

Djavad Salehi-Isfahani, a professor of economics at Virginia Tech, said life for people in Iran could become increasingly difficult as the economic pressure grows.

The impact may already be showing in Tehran. U.S. strikes on Iranian oil storage infrastructure and the U.S. blockade are believed to be contributing to fuel shortages.

An Iranian news agency reported that some people in Tehran said little or no gasoline was available at certain stations Monday and Tuesday.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said secondary sanctions against countries that continue trading with Iran are also being considered.

“We are going to hold everyone accountable, and this is economic asphyxiation,” Bessent said.

China, Iran’s largest trading partner and a major buyer of its oil, is pushing back against the U.S. strategy. Beijing said its cooperation with Iran should not be disrupted and warned the new measures would further increase tensions.

Despite the mounting pressure, there could be a potential opening for renewed talks.

Iranian media, citing an anonymous source, reports that Iran wants to revisit the memorandum of understanding it signed with the United States in June. That agreement collapsed last month.