US Extends Economic Blockade of Iran

September 1, 2026

The latest US economic blockade of Iran is having a devastating impact on Iran’s economy. The hardships of Iran’s civilian population are increasing. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant has threatened to impose secondary US sanctions on countries trading with Iran. Due to Washington’s pressure, the UAE has decided to halt trade and financial transactions with Iran. Bessant has pledged to completely isolate Iran from the global economy. This has further increased uncertainty regarding the situation. Iran is unable to import gasoline due to the US naval blockade. Domestic gasoline production in Iran is insufficient to meet its needs, and the blockade has made imports impossible. Meanwhile, long queues have been seen outside Tehran’s petrol stations in recent weeks, following the US tightening of the blockade and warning of more severe sanctions. Some people are waiting two hours or more to fill up. Iranians fear they may face severe fuel shortages in the near future. “We might face a fuel shortage,” said Hashem Abadi, a barber in Tehran. He explained that as soon as his car’s tank reaches half empty, he immediately rushes to a petrol station. He said that in the current situation, he wants to be cautious about fuel. Despite this situation, Iran shows no signs of relenting. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has also accused the US of resorting to economic pressure after failing to defeat Iran militarily. He stated that the US is attempting to push Iran into chaos by creating social problems and economic discontent, but that Iran will not succumb to these problems. In the current situation, Iran’s longtime friend, China, has come forward in support of Iran. China has responded to the US pressure and naval blockade, which Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf welcomed. Earlier, the Chinese Foreign Ministry, reacting to the US sanctions, stated that China strongly opposes sanctions that have no basis in international law or UN Security Council mandates. A negotiated solution is the only correct path.