Iran vows economic resilience as US hints at new sanctions

Iranian officials announced on Thursday that the government is preparing a series of steps to sustain the national economy amid growing pressure from the United States, which has signaled the possibility of expanding its sanctions regime. The statements came after U.S. Treasury officials warned that further restrictions could target Iran’s oil exports, shipping network and financial channels.

In response, Iran’s leadership said it would intensify domestic production, expand trade with non‑Western partners and make greater use of its gold and foreign‑exchange reserves. The officials also hinted that, should the United States move forward with new punitive measures, Iran could shift to more "offensive" actions, a phrase that analysts interpret as a possible escalation in regional or cyber activities.

The Iranian economy has been under strain for years due to a series of sanctions that have limited its ability to sell oil abroad and access international banking. Despite these constraints, Tehran has managed to keep a core of its industrial output running by fostering self‑reliance and seeking workarounds such as barter deals and cryptocurrency transactions. The current push aims to deepen those efforts, with ministries reportedly coordinating to streamline subsidies and protect key sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.

U.S. officials have not detailed the exact nature of the prospective sanctions, but they have indicated a focus on entities that facilitate Iran’s oil shipments and on individuals linked to the Revolutionary Guard. The threat comes as Washington continues to pressure Tehran over its nuclear program and regional activities. Iran’s foreign ministry warned that any escalation would further destabilise the already fragile economic landscape and could compel Tehran to adopt a more confrontational stance.

Observers note that the rhetoric of “offensive operations” marks a shift from earlier diplomatic language, suggesting that Tehran may be preparing to use a broader set of tools—ranging from proxy support to cyber capabilities—to counteract what it perceives as economic warfare. The coming weeks will reveal whether the United States proceeds with additional sanctions and how Iran’s economic counter‑measures unfold.