The United States plans to impose its most severe sanctions yet on Iran in a campaign designed to bring down the government in Tehran, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on Thursday, with details expected at a press conference on Sunday.
The escalation follows a June agreement signed by President Donald Trump that set a 60-day deadline to end hostilities and reach a nuclear deal. Trump has since threatened the most crushing economic operation against Iran, while Bessent pledged unprecedented economic measures against Tehran.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, apologising in a televised national address on Sunday, acknowledged citizens face numerous problems and said Iran is now in a full-scale economic, military, and security war waged by Washington, after wartime strikes and a naval blockade crippled the economy.