US issues new sanctions as it dials up pressure on Iran
Al Jazeera
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The United States has imposed new sanctions targeting Iranian oil vessels, intensifying its "maximum pressure" campaign against Tehran. These measures aim to disrupt Iran's financial systems, which are allegedly used to fund ballistic missile programs and support terrorism. The penalties were announced after President Donald Trump renewed his threats against Iran during his State of the Union address. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent emphasized that the U.S. is committed to targeting Iran's weapons capabilities and its support for terrorism, describing the sanctions as a critical step in achieving these goals.
The sanctions specifically target 12 vessels, several companies, and individuals involved in Iran's oil sales and weapons procurement. These actions will freeze assets of the designated entities in the U.S. and restrict financial transactions with them. The move follows years of escalating U.S. pressure on Iran, including a withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a nuclear deal that aimed to curb Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Since 2018, the U.S. has imposed numerous sanctions on Iran, aiming to
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/25/2026