diplomacyMonday, August 31, 2026event Aug 3114 sources

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Announces Weekly Sanctions Against Iran

On August 31, 2026, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans to impose new secondary sanctions against Iran every week, aiming to increase economic pressure on Tehran. The announcement followed a flare-up of hostilities between the US and Iran, with both sides exchanging fire. Bessent warned of severe consequences for entities continuing business with Iran, calling the measures 'financial violence'.

Bessent stated that the US would impose new secondary sanctions against Iran every week, targeting entities involved in economic transactions with Tehran. The sanctions are intended to escalate economic pressure on Iran, which has been a long-standing point of contention between the two nations. Multiple international news outlets, including Reuters, Al Arabiya, The Jerusalem Post, and Arab News, reported the announcement, with some sources noting that the sanctions were part of a broader strategy to deter Iran's regional activities. The US Treasury Secretary's remarks were accompanied by a warning that those continuing business with Iran would face 'severe consequences', a phrase used by Bessent in a statement to Reuters. While most outlets reported the sanctions as a weekly occurrence, some noted that the exact timing and scope of the measures were still under discussion. Tehran has not yet commented on the sanctions, but the US has previously accused Iran of supporting militant groups and destabilizing the region. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with recent clashes between US and Iranian forces. The sanctions are part of a broader US strategy to counter Iran's influence and economic activities, which have been a focus of diplomatic and military efforts in recent years.

Timelines

Sources

IndependentArab NewsAug 31, 09:33 PM
US, Iran exchange fire in flare-up; Bessent signals more sanctions - Arab News

US, Iran exchange fire in flare-up; Bessent signals more sanctions  Arab News

IndependentAl ArabiyaAug 31, 11:01 AM
Bessent expects new US secondary sanctions weekly, aiming to increase pressure on Iran - english.alarabiya.net

Bessent expects new US secondary sanctions weekly, aiming to increase pressure on Iran  english.alarabiya.net

IndependentAl ArabiyaAug 31, 11:01 AM
Bessent expects new US secondary sanctions weekly, aiming to increase pressure on Iran - Al Arabiya English

Bessent expects new US secondary sanctions weekly, aiming to increase pressure on Iran  Al Arabiya English

WireSputnikAug 31, 08:50 AM
Bessent Threatens 'Financial Violence' as US Plans New Iran Sanctions

Bessent Threatens 'Financial Violence' as US Plans New Iran Sanctions

WireSputnikAug 31, 07:54 AM
Bessent Threatens 'Financial Violence' as US Plans New Iran Sanctions

Treasury Secretary warns of severe consequences for those continuing business with Tehran.

IndependentBdnews24Aug 31, 07:46 AM
Bessent expects new US secondary sanctions weekly, aiming to increase pressure on Iran - bdnews24.com

Bessent expects new US secondary sanctions weekly, aiming to increase pressure on Iran bdnews24.com

IndependentIzvestiaAug 31, 06:42 AM
Bessent stated plans for the US to impose new sanctions against Iran every week

Washington intends to impose new secondary sanctions against Tehran every week, aiming to increase economic pressure on it. This was reported on August 30 by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. "You will see much more of such sanctions every week," he told Reuters.

WireReutersAug 31, 06:14 AM
US, Iran exchange fire in flare-up; Bessent signals more sanctions - Reuters

US, Iran exchange fire in flare-up; Bessent signals more sanctions  Reuters

StateTASSAug 31, 06:11 AM
US to impose sanctions on Iran every week — Treasury secretary - tass.com

US to impose sanctions on Iran every week — Treasury secretary  tass.com

IndependentJerusalem PostAug 31, 04:03 AM
Bessent expects new US secondary sanctions weekly, aiming to increase pressure on Iran - The Jerusalem Post

Bessent expects new US secondary sanctions weekly, aiming to increase pressure on Iran  The Jerusalem Post

IndependentStraits TimesAug 31, 03:55 AM
Bessent expects new US secondary sanctions weekly, aiming to increase pressure on Iran - straitstimes.com

Bessent expects new US secondary sanctions weekly, aiming to increase pressure on Iran  straitstimes.com

IndependentStraits TimesAug 31, 03:55 AM
Bessent expects new US secondary sanctions weekly, aiming to increase pressure on Iran - The Straits Times

Bessent expects new US secondary sanctions weekly, aiming to increase pressure on Iran  The Straits Times

IndependentThe StarAug 31, 03:54 AM
Bessent expects new US secondary sanctions weekly, aiming to increase pressure on Iran - The Star

Bessent expects new US secondary sanctions weekly, aiming to increase pressure on Iran  The Star

WireReutersAug 31, 03:52 AM
Bessent expects new US secondary sanctions weekly, aiming to increase pressure on Iran - Reuters

Bessent expects new US secondary sanctions weekly, aiming to increase pressure on Iran  Reuters