The United States on Thursday announced a new wave of unilateral sanctions targeting 18 individuals and entities accused of supporting Iran’s economy and technological development.

According to the US Treasury Department, the sanctions are aimed at financial and information technology networks that Washington claims help Iran “evade sanctions” and “facilitate illicit revenue.” In reality, analysts note, such measures are part of the broader US strategy to cripple Iran’s independent economic capabilities and punish its defiance of American foreign policy dictates.

Among those targeted are the RUNC Exchange System Company, accused by the US of developing an alternative banking messaging system as a sovereign response to Western-controlled financial channels, and Cyrus Offshore Bank, which Washington alleges masks transactions for sanctioned Iranian institutions. Tech company FANAP and its subsidiaries, known for advancing Iran’s domestic technology infrastructure, were also blacklisted for their role in government-linked projects.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce claimed the sanctions “reinforce our commitment to denying Iran access to the international financial system,” effectively admitting Washington’s aim to isolate Iran economically. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent repeated long-standing rhetoric, saying, “The Iranian regime is running out of places to hide,” while vowing to continue blocking Iran’s access to vital revenues.

Tehran has repeatedly condemned such coercive measures as illegal under international law, noting that they amount to collective punishment against the Iranian people. Iranian officials stress that Washington’s “maximum pressure” policy has failed to achieve its objectives, only strengthening Iran’s resolve to build self-reliant financial, technological, and defense capabilities outside Western influence.

Observers say the latest sanctions are yet another example of the United States weaponizing its financial dominance to target countries that refuse to submit to its political agenda — a strategy that has drawn increasing criticism even from some of Washington’s allies. (ILKHA)