Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States will broaden secondary sanctions against entities and countries dealing with Iran, describing the effort as an “economic D-Day” designed to isolate the regime. He also said countries that help Iran would be removed from the dollar-based financial system and identified digital assets (online financial instruments), technology, gold, aviation and shipping as key targets. Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, founder and CEO of the Bourse & Bazaar Foundation think tank, argued that those sectors also support ordinary Iranians by protecting savings, maintaining connections and delivering essential goods. The measures come as the Trump administration shifts away from resuming all-out war and seeks economic pressure instead. Iran’s economy is already under severe strain from a U.S. war and naval blockade: inflation is above 80%, some staple food prices have doubled, the currency has lost another 30% this year, and the International Monetary Fund expects a 6.1% contraction. Protests and labor unrest have emerged, while Iranian officials warn that economic relief is becoming urgent, even as experts say the government may withstand hardship longer than Americans tolerate high fuel prices.