Washington is preparing a blow for Iran that could become a turning point in modern Middle Eastern geopolitics. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in a recent statement, warned Tehran of upcoming measures he described as "unprecedented" in the history of state economic isolation. According to the Secretary, next week the White House will officially announce a sanctions package designed to completely cut Iran off from the global economy.
From "Epic Fury" to "Economic Fury"
Scott Bessent emphasized that current actions are an escalation of a campaign that began in 2025. It was then that President Donald Trump ordered the resumption of the "maximum pressure" policy against the Iranian regime. The Treasury Secretary used a vivid metaphor to describe the shift in tactics: "We have moved from 'Epic Fury' (the name of the US military operation against Iran) to 'economic fury.' And by the President's order, we have raised the level even further."
This statement confirms that Washington views economic pressure not just as a tool of coercion, but as a full-fledged alternative or continuation of military action. In a situation where Iran is already under strict sanctions, the new wave of restrictions aims to destroy the remaining channels of financial flows.
Blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and Ports
A key element of the new strategy will be a physical blockade. Bessent explained that financial pressure will be tightly synchronized with maritime restrictions. "This will be a combination of economic isolation and a prolonged blockade in the Strait of Hormuz—something the world has never seen before," he stated.
According to the Secretary, the new measures will not allow ships to either enter or leave Iranian ports. This effectively means a total naval blockade of a country that depends on oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz. The situation has reached a boiling point: on August 13, 2026, the US and Iran effectively simultaneously declared "full control" over the strategic strait, creating a risk of direct military confrontation.
Contradictory Data
Despite Washington's categorical statements, there is disagreement within the expert community and among analysts regarding the effectiveness and timeline for implementing these plans. On one hand, the Trump administration insists that the new campaign will lead to the collapse of the Iranian economy in the shortest possible time. On the other hand, sources close to the Pentagon point to the difficulty of maintaining a long-term naval blockade in conditions where Iran possesses developed means of asymmetric warfare.
Furthermore, it was previously reported that President Trump has a new plan for Tehran, but there is a risk that he could personally spoil it due to unpredictable diplomatic steps. For now, the Pentagon is assessing the duration of the naval blockade, but exact timelines and logistical capabilities remain the subject of closed discussions.
Global Consequences
If the US actually implements the plan for the total isolation of Iran, it could cause a sharp spike in energy prices and destabilize the global economy. A blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is a blow to global trade, through which a significant portion of the world's oil shipments pass. European and Asian countries dependent on Iranian oil and gas may face serious problems.
At the same time, Iran will likely attempt to use its allies and shadow channels to bypass sanctions. History shows that Tehran knows how to adapt to external pressure, and the question is whether the new "economic fury" will be able to break this system.
