US to expand secondary sanctions on Iran dealings, sources indicate

The U.S. Treasury Department is poised to announce an expanded framework for secondary sanctions that would increase its ability to penalize entities and nations maintaining commercial relationships with Iran. The broader scope is expected to be unveiled this week as Washington seeks to strengthen its economic leverage over Tehran.

Secondary sanctions are designed to discourage third countries and companies from engaging in trade or financial dealings with targeted nations. By expanding the criteria and reach of such measures, the United States aims to make it increasingly costly for international actors to maintain economic ties with Iran.

The announcement represents an escalation in the administration's Iran policy, building on existing primary sanctions imposed directly on Iranian entities. By widening the secondary sanctions regime, Washington is attempting to limit Iran's access to global markets and financial systems.

The timing of the measure underscores the Trump administration's focus on applying sustained economic pressure as part of its overall approach to Iran. The expansion could affect multinational corporations, financial institutions, and governments that have maintained business connections with Iranian counterparts.