Trump administration prepares to broaden Iran sanctions to target evasion networks

WASHINGTON, United States — The Trump administration is preparing to expand U.S. sanctions on Iran by extending penalties to countries and entities that help Tehran circumvent existing measures, according to a report by the U.S.-based Gateway Pundit. President Donald Trump has announced what he described as a "major economic operation" against Iran, threatening "severe economic consequences" for states that provide financial, commercial or logistical support to Tehran, including assistance through oil smuggling, financial transfers or shell companies. The report identifies Iraq as one of the primary channels through which Iranian sanctions are circumvented, alleging that Iranian oil is mixed with Iraqi crude and sold as Iraqi-origin product, and that funds are transferred to Iran through shell companies. It did not provide specifics on the alleged schemes or name the entities involved. The assessment stated that the effectiveness of the new strategy will depend on Washington's determination to enforce the sanctions in the face of complex trade, financial and logistical networks between Tehran and various countries. No further details on the timing or scope of the expanded measures were immediately available.