Trump wants more economic pressure on Iran. What are his options?

Key Points:

• US President Donald Trump pledged to impose unprecedented economic sanctions on Iran, following Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's announcement of new measures expected as soon as next week.
• Since February, the US has escalated sanctions on Iran's maritime, energy, and financial sectors, including freezing $500 billion in Iran-linked cryptocurrency and targeting Iran’s shadow oil fleet and shipping insurers.
• Potential new sanctions could focus on Chinese "teapot" independent refiners and banks that facilitate Iranian oil sales, though targeting major Chinese banks risks straining US-China relations ahead of planned high-level talks.
• Experts warn that ongoing sanctions enforcement resembles a "whack-a-mole" game, as Iran continually creates new entities to circumvent restrictions, while additional aviation sanctions and a possible land blockade involving neighboring countries are under consideration.
• The US Senate passed a bill expanding Iran sanctions and granting Trump new tariff powers against countries aiding Iran, but the legislation faces hurdles in the House amid bipartisan concerns over tariff implications.