PRAGUE – The United States is preparing to significantly increase economic pressure on Iran. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on August 13 that Washington intends to introduce measures next week, which he described as "unprecedented" in the history of economic isolation of states. According to him, this new strategy will work together with the ongoing blockade of Iranian ports.
Bessent described his plans as a "double blow." The first part involves extensive economic isolation of Iran, while the second part is the continued naval blockade targeting operations related to Iranian ports. "Stay tuned, as we will release further announcements next week," Bessent said in an interview with Newsmax. According to him, the United States is preparing measures that are unprecedented in their scope.
Washington is continuing its strategy of maximum economic pressure on Tehran. According to current information, the new measures may affect areas related to Iran's energy sector, financial flows, and the country's access to international trade. The United States has long used sanctions to limit Iranian oil exports and access to foreign funds.
At the same time, the Strait of Hormuz remains a key point of conflict. This strategic waterway is crucial for global trade in oil and liquefied natural gas. Restrictions on traffic in the strait have already raised concerns about further increases in energy prices and disruptions to global supply chains.
According to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the United States claims to be able to maintain a naval blockade indefinitely. At the same time, Washington is signaling that economic pressure may be significantly increased in the coming days. The situation has direct consequences for global energy markets. The rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz in recent days have contributed to higher oil prices. On August 14, Brent crude reached approximately $88.50 per barrel, while U.S. WTI crude rose to $82.81.
Iran continues to resist American pressure, and the issue of control over the Strait of Hormuz is becoming one of the main points of the current conflict. Further announcements from the U.S. administration expected next week could therefore represent a significant escalation not only of the U.S.-Iranian conflict but also of the pressure on the global energy market.