This move indicates that Washington is expanding its campaign of economic pressure on Tehran, from the oil and shipping sectors to inland freight routes.
According to the US Treasury Department , the new measures are part of the announced “Operation Economic Outcast,” aimed at cutting off funding that the Iranian government uses for war, missile development, cyber operations, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that the new measures also target organizations that support Tehran, thereby reducing the Iranian government's revenue streams.
One notable target is Iran Khodro Company (IKCO) and SAIPA, Iran's two largest automakers. The U.S. Treasury Department says these two companies account for more than 90% of Iran's domestic automotive market. Imposing sanctions on these companies could impact Iran's automotive production, component imports, and supply chain.
For the automotive industry, the impact will be particularly pronounced. Iran has a large domestic car manufacturing industry but relies significantly on overseas supply chains for components and equipment. As international suppliers face the risk of sanctions for doing business with Iranian companies, import costs and production maintenance could increase, putting further pressure on car prices and domestic supply.
Washington also imposed sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran Railway Company, Raja Passenger Trains, and Railway Transportation Company, businesses that play a crucial role in passenger and freight transportation. According to the U.S. Treasury Department, railways are increasingly becoming an important part of Iran's transportation of oil, fertilizers, chemicals, and other goods.
Notably, these measures are not only aimed at Iranian businesses. The US has also added several foreign companies in Indonesia , the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Turkey to its sanctions list, accused of supplying goods or supporting the Iranian automotive industry. This demonstrates Washington's continued use of secondary sanctions to pressure the international business network that has trade relations with Tehran.
These new measures come amid a US blockade of Iranian oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a particularly vital sea route for the country's energy exports. According to the US Treasury Department, the restrictions on sea transport have forced Tehran to rely more heavily on land and rail transport to maintain the flow of goods within the country. In this context, the new move represents a significant expansion of Washington's economic pressure strategy.
However, Reuters quoted sanctions expert Brett Erickson (Obsidian Risk Advisors) as warning that tightening restrictions on essential sectors could directly impact the livelihoods of Iranian citizens.
Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/my-siet-trung-phat-doi-voi-nganh-o-to-va-duong-sat-cua-iran-1759145.html
