Signed: BBC News at Six

The US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a new sanctions campaign against Iran, called Operation Economic Outcast, describing it as an economic D-Day. He said the US would sever all economic ties with Iran and impose secondary sanctions on countries that continue to do business with it. The measures target five sectors: digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping, and include sanctions on over 60 entities, individuals, and vessels. Bessent warned that Iran faces a choice between complete global isolation or a return to normalcy, and that the US expects action from every country it has contacted, with defined timelines to shut down identified activities.

Iran dismissed the announcement as bullying and a sign of desperation, warning that if the economic war continues, no oil would be exported through the Strait of Hormuz or the Persian Gulf. BBC analysis noted that the sanctions were not as extensive as had been previewed, and that China, Iran's largest trading partner, was not directly targeted. It was also reported that Pakistan's army chief was in Tehran for talks, following a phone call from President Trump, suggesting diplomatic mediation efforts continue alongside the economic pressure.