sanctions
Coverage of sanctions in the Nexus archive.
- China warns US it could retaliate over Iran sanctions
Beijing has warned that China will take 'all necessary measures' if Washington continues to expand its crackdown on business dealings involving Tehran. The warning concerns U.S. sanctions placed upon Iran, suggesting potential Chinese retaliation over the actions taken by the United States.
- Stocks and oil are sliding as Iran sanctions and rising bond yields rattle markets
Stocks and oil are sliding due to Iran sanctions and rising bond yields, which are rattling markets. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is set to unveil an event he called an "economic D-Day" against Iran on Monday, a move expected to rattle energy markets.
- Iran warns of a harsh response to anticipated US sanctions and other Middle East news
Iran issued a warning that anticipated U.S. sanctions would fail to bring peace to the region. Iran further warned of a harsh response regarding these sanctions and other developments across the Middle East.
- Iran’s rial currency hits new record low as US prepares to announce more sanctions
Iran's rial currency has reached a record low as Washington is preparing to announce new sanctions. These forthcoming sanctions are described by the US as being an "economic D-Day."
- AMB GORDON SONDLAND: Our allies enjoyed a free ride trading with Iran. Trump is shutting that down
Donald Trump plans an 'Economic D-Day' to implement sanctions on foreign countries, banks, and shipping companies that finance Iran. The article argues that allied nations must choose between America and supporting Tehran, criticizing European governments for consistently avoiding serious sanctions. This push is highlighted by the UAE suspending trade with Iran, which serves as a model for other allies.
- Cuba says US sanctions are blocking its efforts to open the economy to private investment
Cuba claims that ongoing U.S. sanctions are obstructing its efforts to open up the economy to private investment, despite passing sweeping domestic reforms. Cuban officials argued that successive penalties and an oil blockade have exacerbated blackouts and shortages of medicine and food, causing some companies like Meliá to pull out. Experts added that they suggested the current US policy goal is not only economic opening but also overhauling the political system.
- Iranian families struggle to afford the basics as US ratchets up economic warfare
Iranian families face severe economic hardships due to soaring unemployment and intense pressure from US sanctions and a naval blockade that has curtailed oil exports. While facing rising costs for basic necessities, Iran is leveraging retaliatory actions in the region, such as disrupting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Experts suggest the country possesses mechanisms like informal trade networks to partially circumvent Western sanctions.
- Trump warns of ‘economic D-Day’ against Iran, but Tehran is well acquainted with sanctions
Trump has warned of an 'economic D-Day' targeting Iran. The Trump administration is touting a crushing financial campaign against Iran. However, the article notes that Tehran is well acquainted with sanctions.
- ICC slams US decision to sanction the court's president and a senior prosecution lawyer
The International Criminal Court slammed recent U.S. sanctions targeting senior staff, including President Tomoko Akane and lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, describing them as a “flagrant attack” on its independence. The U.S. accuses the court of overstepping its mandate by investigating non-member states. In response, the ICC stated that threatening judicial actors risks the international legal order.
- Young: Iran Sanctions Success Requires Global Coalition (Video)
The video features Young stating that achieving success with Iran sanctions necessitates the formation of a global coalition.
- Russian ghost fleet tankers use ‘Mad Max’ nets to fend off Ukraine’s drones
Russian ghost fleet tankers are reportedly using 'Mad Max' nets for defense. These measures are being employed to protect vessels that are under sanctions from Ukraine’s vast maritime drone campaign.
- Trump pivots back to sanctions for Iran as other strategies to end his war fizzle
Trump is pivoting back to sanctions against Iran as other strategies aimed at ending his war have failed. He noted that he began this conflict after 50 years of economic pressure was unsuccessful in stopping Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions.
- Why Conflict Gold Sanctions Fail
In April 2026, the United Arab Emirates shut down a network of money changers connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps after thousands of reprisal strikes across the Gulf following a US attack on Iran. These Iranian exchange houses and related shell companies operated in Dubai for over a decade, facilitating the laundering of billions and helping Iran evade sanctions. The article notes that Washington’s pivotal Gulf ally proved useful in this fallout.
- New Zealand Slaps New Sanctions Against Russia After US Move
New Zealand announced additional sanctions targeting individuals and entities that support Russia’s war against Ukraine. This action followed the passage of a new bill in the US Senate concerning Russia's oil and gas revenues.
- China’s retaliation against US shows depth of its trade war strategy, analysts say
China has imposed export controls and sanctions against American companies in response to recent U.S. measures, highlighting an expanded economic strategy. Analysts note the 'breadth and depth' of China's retaliatory actions, contrasting with its past approach.
- There Will be Unseen Costs to be Paid over the War in Iran. Who is Weighing Them?
An interim agreement between the U.S. and Iran aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz is under consideration, with experts analyzing potential short and long-term costs, including shifts in Iran's control over the strait and impacts on U.S. sanctions. An operational pause, not a ceasefire, is currently in place, and negotiations remain challenging, with both sides describing the situation differently.
- Theme park or political park: Did France's 'Puy du Fou' break Russian sanctions?
The Guardian reports that France's Puy du Fou theme park continued working with a Russian oligarch after sanctions were imposed and has ties to Vladimir Putin. Critics claim it rewrites history and serves as a political park.
- China hits back at US with sanctions and tighter drone export rules
China has imposed sanctions and tightened drone export rules in response to the US, escalating tensions ahead of President Xi Jinping's planned September trip. The retaliatory measures highlight growing Sino-American conflicts.
- Chinese and Western firms are teaming up even as governments fight
Chinese and Western firms are increasing collaboration despite geopolitical tensions and government measures like tariffs and sanctions. Corporate deal-making is thriving as multinational executives prioritize business interests over political conflicts.
- Hated in Myanmar, feted abroad? President inches towards normality with Thailand trip
Myanmar’s leader Min Aung Hlaing is set to receive a red-carpet welcome in Thailand amid international sanctions and domestic opposition. His 2021 coup against Aung San Suu Kyi’s government sparked a civil war with significant civilian casualties and economic decline.
- Zelensky Says Ukraine Will Push to End Russia’s War Before Winter
Zelensky said Ukraine will push to end Russia’s war before winter by combining diplomacy, sanctions, and medium- and long-range strikes. He cautioned that the timing cannot be guaranteed and accused Putin of preparing to prolong the conflict.
- Italy-Led EU Mission Boards Russia-Linked ‘Shadow Fleet’ Tanker in Mediterranean
An Italy-led EU naval mission boarded a sanctioned tanker linked to Russia’s 'shadow fleet' in the Mediterranean, part of a broader European effort to enforce sanctions targeting Moscow’s oil exports. This marks the second such operation in under two weeks.
- Jackson Warns US Policy Risks Caribbean Stability
Rep. Jonathan Jackson warns that Trump administration policies toward Haiti, Venezuela, and Cuba risk worsening Caribbean instability by ending Haitian Temporary Protected Status, maintaining sanctions on Venezuela, and applying pressure on Cuba. He advocates for greater transparency in US policy toward Venezuela and highlights the region's destabilization risks.
- Illicit Iranian gambling network helped pull off a $4 billion sanctions dodge
A Reuters investigation found that Iran's Revolutionary Guards used illicit gambling networks to circumvent sanctions, moving $4 billion through betting websites despite gambling being illegal in the Islamic Republic. The operation continued during the war.
- EU-China trade war: Beijing turns the screws as Brussels tests limits of restraint
The European Union sanctioned 14 Chinese companies for allegedly supporting Russia's war against Ukraine. China responded swiftly and fiercely, surprising EU officials despite having been notified of the sanctions months earlier.
- Trump Has Weakened America’s Sanctions Weapon
The Trump administration's inconsistent use of sanctions has weakened a key U.S. foreign policy tool. This inconsistency has undermined the effectiveness of America's sanctions as a strategic weapon.
- Sanctions Bill Would Give Trump Sweeping New Tariff Powers
The Sanctions Bill would grant Trump extensive new tariff powers. The president has expressed a preference for using tariffs over sanctions as an economic weapon.
- US Senate Delivers Overwhelming 86–12 Bipartisan Backing for Russia Sanctions as Zelensky Watches
The US Senate approved sanctions against Russia's energy revenues, financial networks, and shadow fleet with an 86–12 bipartisan vote. The measure was supported as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky observed the proceedings in the chamber.
- Putin, Russia put on notice as Senate takes crucial step to grind down the Kremlin’s war machine
The Senate advanced a bipartisan sanctions package aimed at Russia and Iran, fulfilling part of Sen. Lindsey Graham's legacy. The legislation targets Russian oil and gas sales, imposes tariffs on Russian imports, and includes sanctions against officials, with provisions for President Donald Trump to adjust aspects of the sanctions.
- UN chief urges immediate removal of all Syria sanctions
UN chief Antonio Guterres urged the removal of all sanctions imposed on Syria during the era of ousted ruler Bashar al-Assad. Syria's new authorities, who took power in December 2024, aim to reboot the economy and rebuild infrastructure and institutions.
- Thune says Iran sanctions to be added to Russia sanctions bill
Senate Majority Leader John Thune plans to add provisions to penalize Iran to a Russia sanctions bill. President Trump supported adding Iran sanctions to the bipartisan legislation via social media.
- 🔴 War in Ukraine: EU agrees 21st round of sanctions on Russia
The European Union has agreed to impose the 21st round of sanctions on Russia in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
- US Congress explores new tariffs, sanctions to counter China’s shipbuilding dominance
US Congress is considering tariffs, port fees, and sanctions to counter China’s dominance in the shipbuilding industry. Lawmakers from both parties view China’s commercial shipbuilding leadership as an economic and national security threat, though witnesses caution that penalties may not be sufficient.
- US levels AI sanctions threat as China models gain
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated potential sanctions against open-source artificial intelligence (AI) models if they use stolen US intellectual property, specifically targeting Chinese developers accused of creating low-cost systems with such IP. The administration supports open-source models but opposes IP theft, with the ability to sanction overseas models exploiting US companies' innovations.
- As Israel urged caution, these Syrian Jews lobbied the US to lift sanctions on Syria
Syrian Jews, including a son of Palestinian refugees and a Jewish cantor, have formed an unlikely alliance to lobby the US to lift sanctions on Syria, aiming to support the new government and enable exiles to return to their former homes.
- What to know about the West African economic summit seeking regional reform
The 69th ECOWAS summit took place in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where Julius Maada Bio urged for significant reforms. Senegal's Head of State assumed the rotating ECOWAS presidency, and Guinea criticized the organization's recent sanctions.
- Sanctioning Russia is Popular in America
A bipartisan survey reveals strong US support for increased sanctions against Russia, measures targeting officials involved in abducting Ukrainian children, penalties for foreign companies trading with Moscow, and expanded US–Ukraine defense cooperation.
- Is the end of US sanctions on some Hong Kong officials an olive branch?
The US has ended sanctions on nine Hong Kong and mainland Chinese officials, including Paul Lam Ting-kwok, described as a friendly gesture to improve relations following a May meeting between the two presidents. Observers note the move is significant but highlight that sanctions remain in place for many others.
- Canadian wildfire smoke sparks calls for sanctions from Republicans
U.S. Republican Senator Bernie Moreno proposes legislation to sanction Canada over wildfire smoke impacting U.S. air quality, while President Donald Trump criticizes Canada's forest management. Canadian officials deny blame, stating their priority is Ontarian safety and highlighting mutual wildfire challenges.
- Republicans threaten Canada with sanctions over drifting wildfire smoke
US Republicans are threatening Canada with sanctions due to wildfire smoke drifting into the United States, causing hazardous air quality. Donald Trump blamed Canada for the smoke and plans to contact Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss the issue.