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Bessent says ‘you are either with us or against us’ after new Iran-linked sanctions
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that governments and businesses must choose whether to cooperate with Washington or face sanctions, following new US measures linked to Iran. The sanctions target a network the Treasury describes as helping Iran’s shadow fleet of oil tankers, signalling continued pressure on those accused of supporting Tehran.
Bessent said the US would pursue supporters of the Iranian government across land, sea and air under Operation Economic Outcast. The article does not specify the number of people or entities sanctioned, the measures imposed, or the countries involved.
In short
- The US announced new Iran-linked sanctions.
- Bessent warned supporters they could be sanctioned.
- The measures target an alleged oil tanker network.
Explained simply
The United States uses sanctions to restrict financial dealings and trade with people, businesses or governments it accuses of supporting activities it opposes. They can make it harder for those targeted to access international banking, sell goods or do business with US-linked organisations.
Iran has faced US sanctions for many years, including over its nuclear programme and its oil trade. The US says some tankers help Iran move oil outside normal channels; this network is often called a “shadow fleet”. Governments and companies may have to weigh their dealings with Iran against the risk of losing access to parts of the US financial system.
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