U.S. Unveils "Economic Isolation" Push on Iran, Eyes Secondary Sanctions Covering Digital Assets

BlockBeats reported that on Aug. 25, U.S. Treasury Secretary Bentsen held a press briefing to announce an "economic isolation campaign" targeting Iran, aimed at leaving the Iranian regime with "no other options." The Treasury said it will sanction nearly 60 Iran-linked entities, individuals and vessels, focusing on networks tied to nuclear activities, missiles, cyber operations and the oil trade. The department is also weighing secondary sanctions across five areas: digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping. Bentsen said any party that facilitates money laundering for Iran will be cut off from the U.S. dollar system, and warned that "any economic dealings with Iran will expose responsible parties to full U.S. sanctions." He added that countries must halt Treasury-designated activity within a set timeframe, including shutting overseas branches of Iranian banks, or the United States will act unilaterally using its financial tools. He cautioned against underestimating secondary sanctions and said a major financial institution will be sanctioned over Iran-related matters before the end of this weekend. Separately, the U.S. said it has revoked the terrorist organization designation for Syria's HTS and removed Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. Bentsen also addressed the Treasury's bond buyback program, saying the U.S. has not purchased any bonds so far. The next operation is scheduled for Sept. 9, and regular Treasury auctions will continue, a message aimed at easing market concerns about the speed of Treasury intervention. On trade tensions, Canadian Prime Minister Carney responded to Trump's threat of a 50% tariff on autos, saying any retaliatory tariffs would be "highly targeted" and accusing Trump of seeking to "destroy our key industries on his negotiating terms." Bettenhausen said Trump wants Canada to come to the table for serious talks. The briefing delivered a clear set of signals: Washington is sharply intensifying financial pressure on Iran, advancing trade pressure on allies in parallel, and moving cautiously in the government bond market.