U.S. TARGETS FIVE KEY IRAN SECTORS IN NEW SANCTIONS PUSH Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the U.S. will take a “zero leakage” approach to Iran sanctions, targeting digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping. Any entity facilitating money laundering for Iran could be cut off from the U.S. dollar system, while countries have been given timelines to wind down identified activities. Bessent also warned that “no one is above the reach” of U.S. sanctions, including entities tied to China, as Trump calls world leaders to push for deeper economic isolation of Iran.

Trump wants regime change, not another nuclear deal, warns a prominent Islamic Republic state television analyst. Foad Izadi says Trump is trying to bring down the system, even as Iranian officials seek talks. His warning gives voice to a fear the regime rarely admits so plainly. The United States is keeping its naval blockade on Iranian ports while sanctions push Iranian airlines out of regional airports. The pressure continued while Iran’s president and foreign minister sought negotiations at the United Nations. Trump then rejected the regime’s offer to reopen Hormuz in exchange for relief from the blockade. Izadi sees the danger for the Islamic Republic. Its leaders want a deal that restores oil revenue and eases their isolation. They now fear Trump intends to keep squeezing the system even while negotiations remain possible. For decades, the regime funded armed groups and spread terror across the region to make itself impossible to ignore. Now its oil income is being cut off, its aircraft are losing access abroad, and one of its own commentators is telling loyalists that Trump wants the Islamic Republic gone.