The United States is preparing new sanctions against Iran, though the Treasury Department has not formally announced the measures or specified what they will cover. The report, published on August 24, 2026, says Washington is seeking to increase pressure on countries and entities that maintain trade or other economic ties with Iran.

The US treasury secretary warned that countries maintaining economic relations with Iran could also face US economic isolation. The secretary said last week that allies and other parties with ties to Iran would have to choose a position either with or against the United States. Other US officials said Central Command was working to strictly enforce a blockade at Iranian ports.

The treasury secretary also said Iran's current governing system was moving toward collapse, indicating that maximum economic pressure may aim at changing the country's governing system as well as its policies. This contrasts with the US administration's earlier statement when the war against Iran began that regime change was not among its main objectives. With sanction details still unpublished, their scope and practical enforcement remain unclear.