President Donald Trump’s much-anticipated economic escalation against Iran began Monday with new sanctions, but stopped short of the dramatic action previously threatened.
According to Axios, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced sanctions against more than 60 Iran-linked targets while expanding the potential reach of secondary sanctions.
Bessent said foreign governments would receive time to end activities identified by Washington before the Treasury Department considers stronger measures.
Bessent warned that no country is beyond the reach of U.S. sanctions, but did not provide a deadline for action against China.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit the White House on Sept. 24, adding a diplomatic consideration to the standoff.
The strategy marks a shift toward economic pressure, allowing Trump to squeeze Iran while avoiding the immediate risks of a wider war or global oil shock.
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Trump's Iran "D-Day" leaves sanctions hammer hanging https://t.co/LeYilD64Y9
— Axios (@axios) August 25, 2026
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