The U.S. government is preparing new economic sanctions against Iran, while demanding that China reduce its business ties with Tehran.

The White House has announced plans to launch a major economic campaign against Iran, with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expected to detail the new sanctions package on Monday. Senior Iranian leadership responded by warning that any new U.S. threats would be met with severe retaliation. The U.S. is specifically pressuring China to cut its economic ties with Tehran, citing Beijing's role in purchasing the majority of Iran's oil exports.

U.S. Pressure on China and Global Allies

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that any nation or entity providing a lifeline to Iran, including through cash transfers or oil smuggling, will face significant economic consequences. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has urged China to reduce its business ties with Iran, noting that Beijing purchased more than 80 percent of Iran’s shipped oil in 2025. Bessent argued that reducing these ties would serve China's own interests, as 50 percent of China’s energy comes from within the Gulf. In response, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington stated that sanctions and pressure do not resolve the issue, calling instead for political and diplomatic solutions. The U.S. has also signaled a shift in its messaging to other international allies, warning that countries failing to comply with Washington’s demands regarding Iran could face similar economic isolation.

Iranian Response and Military Readiness

Iranian officials have reacted sharply to the U.S. announcements. Chief Iranian negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Tehran must plan to overcome what he described as unjust sanctions. On the same day, Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi, the chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, indicated that Iran’s potential retaliation could involve land, sea, air, or cyberattacks.