US Prepares Major New Economic Measures Against Iran Amid Ongoing Conflict

The United States is preparing what officials describe as unprecedented economic measures against Iran, as President Trump seeks to intensify pressure on Tehran nearly six months into the ongoing conflict. Speaking in a brief interview, the president said the administration plans to hit Iran’s economy hard, adding that he was not concerned whether the war ends before the November midterm elections, even as rising oil and gasoline prices weigh on public sentiment.

Peace Talks Remain Stalled

Negotiations between the US and Iran aimed at reaching a lasting peace have stalled, with intermittent clashes continuing to disrupt oil and commodity flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides have accused each other of negotiating in bad faith, while Iran has taken steps to maintain control over the waterway. Speaking at an event, Trump described the US blockade of Iranian ports as effectively giving Washington control of the strait, joking about eventually declaring it US territory.

Treasury Signals New Measures Coming

The Treasury Secretary said additional economic measures targeting Iran would be announced in the coming days, describing them as unlike anything previously used in efforts to economically isolate a country, though specific details were not provided. Iran’s economy has already suffered significant damage, with industrial capacity hit hard and crude exports sharply reduced due to the ongoing blockade, though the country has withstood years of sanctions without changing its nuclear program stance or ceding control of the strait.

Uncertainty Over What New Sanctions Could Achieve

After decades of sanctions, including roughly 2,200 measures imposed since 2018, analysts question what additional economic pressure could realistically accomplish without extending secondary sanctions to major buyers of Iranian oil, a move that could provoke retaliation and add further uncertainty to global energy markets. Economic analysts suggest the most likely outcome is a continuation of current sanctions, blockade measures, and limited military action alongside diplomatic efforts, rather than a major escalation.

Iran has reorganized parts of its military to project a more assertive posture abroad, signaling preparation for an extended period of regional tension.