What to expect as Iran braces for new US economic measures amid war

What the report says

Iran is bracing for a fresh round of US economic penalties as the conflict with Israel continues, according to Al Jazeera. The report says US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to unveil new measures targeting Iranian banks, oil buyers, shipping firms, ports, exchange houses and others that do business with Tehran. US President Donald Trump has also threatened a more aggressive economic campaign, while analysts quoted by Al Jazeera said the sanctions are unlikely to quickly change Iran’s conduct.

The article describes a country already under heavy pressure from years of sanctions and from wartime disruption. It notes that the Iranian rial has fallen to a record low on the open market, worsening purchasing power for ordinary people. It also points to recurring power cuts and planned austerity steps as signs of mounting economic strain. Iranian officials, meanwhile, have responded with defiance, warning that continued pressure could lead Tehran to restrict oil exports or escalate tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Al Jazeera reports that Iran has developed ways to keep trade moving despite sanctions, including a shadow tanker network, barter arrangements and alternative payment channels. China remains Tehran’s most important economic partner, especially as a buyer of Iranian oil, while trade links with Russia and regional neighbors also offer some relief. Even so, experts cited in the piece said these relationships are not enough to offset losses from reduced oil income.

The broader significance is that the new US measures could deepen hardship for everyday Iranians without forcing a rapid policy change in Tehran, while raising risks for regional shipping and energy markets.