WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has vowed to intensify economic pressure on Iran, a day after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Washington could announce measures against Tehran that have “never been seen” as early as next week.

The United States has imposed extensive sanctions on Iran for decades over its nuclear programme, human rights record and support for armed groups. Since the latest Iran conflict began in February, Washington has expanded restrictions targeting Iran’s maritime, energy and financial networks.

Data from the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control shows that the Trump administration has sanctioned more than 1,000 individuals, vessels and aircraft since the president began his second term.

Recent measures have focused on Iran’s shadow oil fleet, shipping insurers, weapons procurement networks and digital exchanges. US authorities have also targeted cryptocurrency channels allegedly linked to Iranian financial activities.

China’s oil trade faces growing pressure

One potential target for further US action is China’s independent “teapot” refineries, which account for a significant share of the country’s refining capacity.

China buys more than 80% of Iran’s exported oil, according to 2025 data from analytics firm Kpler. Independent Chinese refineries handle a substantial portion of that trade and could face secondary sanctions for continuing business with sanctioned Iranian entities.

Previous US measures have discouraged larger independent refiners from purchasing Iranian oil. However, sanctions experts say smaller refineries may be less vulnerable because they have limited exposure to the US financial system.

Washington could also target Chinese banks accused of facilitating Iranian oil transactions or weapons procurement.

US officials have previously warned two major Chinese banks that they could face secondary sanctions if Iranian funds were found moving through their systems. Directly sanctioning major financial institutions, however, could trigger retaliation from Beijing and further strain US-China relations.

Washington weighs broader enforcement

The Trump administration could also expand sanctions against Iranian individuals, companies and intermediaries in China and the Gulf that help Tehran evade restrictions.

Experts describe this strategy as a continuing “whack-a-mole” approach because Iranian entities can establish new companies to replace sanctioned businesses.

Sanctions experts also expect Washington could intensify enforcement against oil shippers, purchasers and currency exchangers involved in helping Iran generate revenue and finance imports.

Additional aviation restrictions could also be considered as Washington seeks to increase economic pressure on Tehran.

MQM-P Calls for National Dialogue on New Provinces and Stronger Local Governments

Land blockade presents major challenges

Some US and Israeli officials have also discussed the possibility of a land blockade around Iran. Such a strategy would require cooperation from Iran’s neighbours, including Iraq, Türkiye, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Experts warn that implementing a land blockade would be extremely difficult, particularly because several Iranian borders are mountainous and difficult to control.

A blockade could severely affect Iran’s imports of food, energy and other essential goods, but analysts question whether such pressure would generate the political response Washington hopes to achieve.

Secondary tariffs could widen the dispute

Trump has repeatedly threatened tariffs against countries that continue trading with Iran. However, the legal basis for some of his tariff measures has faced significant challenges.

The US Senate has also advanced legislation containing additional Iran sanctions and provisions that could give Trump greater authority to impose tariffs on countries supporting Iran’s trade and weapons procurement.

The legislation still requires approval from the House of Representatives, where it could face opposition over the proposed tariff powers.

With Washington preparing potentially tougher economic measures, the next phase of the Iran conflict could increasingly centre on financial restrictions, oil exports, international banking and Iran’s access to global trade.