US announces new measures of 'economic isolation' against Iran, increasing pressure

New York, August 24th (Xinhua) - US Treasury Secretary Vincent S. Besant held a press conference on the afternoon of August 24th, announcing that the United States will launch a new round of sanctions against Iran for "economic isolation" on the same day, in order to further increase pressure on Iran.

According to the announcement released by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the US Treasury Department on the 24th, the US has expanded the scope of economic sanctions against Iran to five areas including aviation, digital assets, gold, shipping, and technology industries. The announcement stated that the United States will also suspend multiple licenses related to Iran, including some educational activities and services, personal remittances, sports, and academic exchanges. In addition, about 60 Iranian related entities, individuals, and vessels have been included in the sanctions list, covering nuclear and missile technology, cyber operations, oil trade, and more.

Besent said that the United States has launched a "fierce attack" on Iran's global financial connections, aiming to cut off every economic lifeline of the Iranian government until it is completely isolated. He said, "Starting today, the Ministry of Finance and other departments will tighten sanctions and block every potential source of income for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Iranian government

Beisen also stated that the US will no longer accept the so-called "gray area operation", and if the relevant countries do not take measures, the US Treasury Department will take unilateral action. Any entity that launders money for Iran will be removed from the US dollar system. US President Trump is calling multiple leaders on specific demands to cease ties with Iran.

According to the Iranian Presidential Office on the 24th, Iranian President Pezehezhian stated that the United States "should change its rhetoric and practices when dealing with Iran", and relying on power and bullying will only make the relevant process more complicated. On the same day, Iran's advisor to the Supreme Leader, Mukherjee, stated that in the face of US threats, Iran's response will be more resolute than ever before.