The United States has announced a fresh round of sanctions targeting Iran-linked networks, accusing Tehran of using Hezbollah to destabilise the Middle East and undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty.

Massad Boulos, senior adviser to US President Donald Trump for Arab and Middle Eastern affairs, said the measures are intended to disrupt Iran’s support for Hezbollah and target financial networks linked to the group.

“The re-designation of Hezbollah and sanctions against individuals connected to the IRGC-Qods Force and Hezbollah demonstrate our resolve to cut off these terror financing networks,” Boulos said in a post on X.

The move comes as Washington continues to intensify economic pressure on Iran and its regional allies, with the Trump administration seeking to restrict funding channels that it says support militant activity across the Middle East.

The sanctions specifically target individuals and entities associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force and Hezbollah, according to Boulos.

Washington has repeatedly accused Iran of using its regional network of allied armed groups to expand its influence and threaten US partners. Tehran has rejected such accusations and defended its regional relationships.

Former US diplomat Alan Eyre has warned that President Donald Trump’s strategy towards Iran faces serious obstacles and may ultimately fail, arguing that a new sanctions regime could take months to have an impact.

Eyre, who served on the US negotiating team for the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, told Al Jazeera that Trump was caught in a difficult situation over the standoff with Tehran.

“It’s going to take a long time for the [economic sanctions] to work, even if it does work,” said Eyre, now a distinguished diplomatic fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington, DC.

He said establishing an effective multilateral sanctions regime previously required “months, and months, and months” of sustained diplomacy, and even then produced only limited results.

“The State Department right now is broken… I don’t think this administration has the time or the energy to whip up an effective multilateral sanctions regime that they’re saying they’re going to bring about,” Eyre said.

He also warned that Iran could respond to increased economic pressure by escalating attacks against Gulf energy infrastructure.

“Iran has a vote in this process, and they will escalate against possibly Gulf energy targets to get the US to lift the sanctions and lift the blockade,” he said.

Eyre said he remained sceptical that sustained pressure would force Iran to change course, noting that Tehran has already endured decades of US economic sanctions.

US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has criticised President Donald Trump over his focus on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, arguing that the administration should instead address rising fuel prices and the country’s growing national debt.

“Gas above $4/gal. National debt at $40 trillion. Another endless war in the Middle East,” Schumer wrote in a post on X.

“And this is what Donald Trump is focused on.”

Schumer’s remarks come as the Iran conflict continues to disrupt energy markets and fuel prices remain elevated, while US national debt has reached $40 trillion.

Israeli forces carried out fresh strikes in southern Lebanon and Syria’s Golan Heights region, according to Al Jazeera’s correspondents.

An Israeli strike targeted the heights of the Ali al-Taher area in southern Lebanon, the broadcaster reported.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces were also reported to be firing artillery shells at agricultural land south of the village of Jbata al-Khashab in Syria’s Golan Heights.

The latest attacks come amid continued Israeli military activity across parts of southern Lebanon and areas of Syria near the Golan Heights.

An estimated 1.98 million Palestinians in Gaza, or 94 percent of the population, need shelter and basic household assistance, according to a new report by the Shelter Cluster, led by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).

The report reveals that nearly two-thirds of households live in tents or makeshift shelters, structures not designed for long-term accommodation.

According to the report’s severity classification, more than four in five households face “critical” or “catastrophic” living conditions in their current shelter.

NRC says its assessment drew on 1,951 household interviews conducted between June 14 and 28 this year in accessible areas of northern Gaza, Gaza City, Deir el-Balah, and Khan Younis. Rafah and other inaccessible or unsafe areas were excluded.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned countries and companies continuing to do business with Iran that they could face severe economic consequences, as Washington prepares what he described as the “toughest sanctions in history” against Tehran.

Bessent said the United States was pursuing an unprecedented campaign of economic isolation against Iran following President Donald Trump’s declaration of “economic warfare” against countries providing Tehran with financial or commercial support.

Speaking to CNBC, Bessent said Washington would press its allies and other countries to cut economic ties with Iran, warning that nations would have to choose whether they were “with us or against us”.

“If you insist on doing business with them, either transferring money, buying their oil, they are doing seaborne ship transfers, then the US Treasury and the US government, they will put its full might and force toward enforcing against you,” Bessent said.

He added that the United States intended to use economic pressure to weaken Iran’s ability to fund its military and regional allies.

“It is time for our allies and the rest of the world to make a decision,” Bessent said, adding that Washington would seek to severely weaken Iran’s economy and restrict its ability to project power through regional proxies.

Bessent warns of ‘economic oblivion’

Bessent issued an especially stark warning to countries maintaining commercial links with Tehran.

“Any remaining tie to Tehran will hasten a nation’s economic oblivion, whether that tie be purposefully constructed or willfully ignored,” he said.

He argued that intensified economic pressure would eventually help bring down energy prices by reducing the likelihood of a renewed large-scale military escalation.

The Treasury secretary also said Iran was already facing significant inflation, including rising food prices, and that additional sanctions would further restrict the government’s ability to finance its military activities.

US plans toughest sanctions on Iran

Bessent said the new measures would form part of a “one-two punch” involving the existing US blockade and a new round of sanctions.

“We are going to have the toughest sanctions in history,” he said, adding that he expected the measures to put further pressure on the Iranian government.

Bessent is expected to provide more details about the sanctions during a press conference on Monday.

Trump had earlier threatened countries providing Iran with any form of economic lifeline with major consequences as Washington seeks to intensify pressure on Tehran.

China faces pressure over Iranian oil

Bessent also urged China to cooperate with Washington, noting Beijing’s heavy dependence on energy supplies from the Gulf.

“Keep in mind that the Chinese get 50 percent [of their] energy from inside the Gulf. So it would do them a big service to get with the programme,” he said.

China is a major buyer of Iranian oil, creating a potential flashpoint as Washington considers enforcing secondary sanctions against businesses and countries that continue trading with Tehran.

Oil prices remain elevated

The threats come as oil prices have climbed amid disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude rose above $93 a barrel on Thursday, reaching its highest level in more than three weeks.

Bessent argued that markets may be misreading the impact of the new economic strategy, saying maximum economic pressure could reduce the likelihood of a major military escalation.

Iran rejects US economic threats

Iran has condemned Washington’s planned sanctions, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi describing US economic pressure as “economic terrorism”.

Iran has faced US sanctions for decades, but Washington is now seeking to expand the campaign by targeting not only Tehran but also countries and companies that continue to maintain economic links with Iran.

Qatar’s Air Defence Forces chief Major General Mohammed Mubarak Al Shahwani met his Saudi counterpart, Lieutenant General Mazyad Al-Amro, in Riyadh to discuss strengthening military cooperation and coordination between the two countries.

According to the Saudi Ministry of Defence, the two commanders discussed ways to develop cooperation and enhance joint coordination in air defence matters.

The meeting comes amid heightened regional security concerns and increased focus on strengthening Gulf states’ air defence capabilities. Al-Amro has previously held talks with senior US military officials on improving defence cooperation.

Al Shahwani is the commander of Qatar’s Amiri Air Defence Forces and has also overseen efforts to strengthen the readiness and protection of Qatar’s airspace and territorial waters.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has hit back at British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband after the UK condemned Israel’s plans for the controversial E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank.

Ben-Gvir wrote on X that Miliband should remember that the British Mandate ended in 1948 and argued that Israel is an independent state.

He then turned his criticism towards Britain, saying Miliband should “look out of the window” at London, which he claimed was “rapidly turning into an Islamic Caliphate”.

UK Condemns E1 Settlement Plans

Miliband has described Israel’s decision to open tenders for the E1 settlement project as “unacceptable and destructive”. He warned that the development could separate the West Bank from East Jerusalem and undermine prospects for a two-state solution.

The British government has demanded that Israel halt the E1 plans, withdraw the tender and stop settlement expansion. London has also said it plans to introduce targeted sanctions against individuals involved in illegal settlement expansion.

The E1 project involves thousands of planned housing units between Jerusalem and the settlement of Ma’ale Adumim, an area considered strategically important to the future territorial continuity of a potential Palestinian state.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has urged China to support Washington’s proposed sanctions campaign against Iran, saying Beijing would benefit from efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and bring down energy prices.

Speaking to CNBC, Bessent said the United States was confident that countries wanted the strategic waterway reopened and global energy costs reduced. He also suggested Washington could discuss potential measures against Chinese entities involved in trade with Iran privately.

“Keep in mind that the Chinese get 50 per cent of their energy from inside the Gulf. So it would do them a big service to get with the programme,” Bessent said.

His comments come as the Trump administration prepares what Bessent has described as the toughest sanctions ever imposed on Iran, escalating economic pressure on Tehran amid the continuing standoff over the Strait of Hormuz.

The US Treasury has already targeted networks accused of facilitating Iranian oil shipments, including entities linked to China and Hong Kong.

The pressure on Beijing could further complicate US-China relations, as China remains a major buyer of Iranian oil and a key trading partner for Tehran.

Oil prices climbed sharply on Thursday after the United States threatened further sanctions against Iran, raising fresh concerns over potential disruptions to global crude supplies.

Brent crude futures rose $2.20, or 2.4 per cent, to $93.82 a barrel at 15:36 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures for September delivery gained $2.33 to reach $88.16 a barrel.

Both benchmarks climbed to their highest levels since July 24 and recorded gains for a fifth consecutive session.

The latest rise comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with markets closely monitoring developments that could affect oil production, exports and shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces have redirected 67 commercial vessels as part of efforts to enforce a renewed naval blockade targeting traffic to and from Iranian ports.

In its latest post on X, CENTCOM said three vessels had been disabled and two others boarded as US forces stepped up maritime operations linked to the blockade.

The command did not provide further details about the identities of the vessels or explain the circumstances surrounding the interceptions.

## Strait Of Hormuz Faces Renewed Maritime Pressure

The Strait of Hormuz has faced what has effectively become a “dual blockade” since the outbreak of the war.

Iran has sought to restrict maritime traffic involving US-allied countries, while American forces have responded with naval escorts, port restrictions and military strikes aimed at keeping international energy routes open.

The strategic waterway is a critical passage for global oil and gas shipments, making any disruption a major concern for energy markets and international trade.

## Trump Threatens Further Pressure On Iran

The CENTCOM announcement comes as President Donald Trump has pledged additional “crushing” economic measures against Iran after the two sides failed to reach a deal.

The renewed pressure on Iranian maritime traffic adds another layer to the escalating confrontation between Washington and Tehran, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a key flashpoint in the conflict.

Yemeni government forces said they carried out 81 “qualitative military operations” against Iran-backed Houthi rebels over the past 24 hours, as fighting continues to intensify across the country.

Armed forces spokesperson Colonel Majid Abdullah al-Nuzaili said the operations were part of a series of “retaliatory measures” in response to Houthi attacks.

According to al-Nuzaili, the operations resulted in the “neutralisation of a number of field commanders” and the destruction of Houthi military equipment and vehicles.

## Houthis Continue Attacks In Yemen

Al-Nuzaili said the Houthis had continued attacks on the port of al-Makha, also known as Mocha, as well as the al-Ardi anchorage in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

He also accused the rebels of targeting residential areas in Marib.

The latest claims come amid heightened fighting between Yemen’s internationally recognised government forces and the Iran-backed Houthis, with the strategic Bab al-Mandeb waterway remaining a key flashpoint in the conflict.

The reported figures and battlefield claims could not be independently verified.

Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi has called on Iranian officials to stop interfering in the country’s internal affairs in a post on X.

Raggi shared excerpts of his interview with An-Nahar Newspaper, in which he said, “Normal relations with the Iranian mission in Lebanon can only resume once Tehran complies with the Lebanese state’s decision, in accordance with established diplomatic procedures”.

“Iranian officials must stop interfering in Lebanon’s internal affairs, the latest example being the statements made by the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament” [Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf].

Israeli forces continued attacks on southern Lebanon, with bombing reported in al-Tayri in the Bint Jbeil district, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.

Al-Mansouri in the Tyre district was also targeted by Israeli artillery fire, the agency reported.

Earlier, Israeli attacks were reported in Wadi al-Salouqi and al-Hujair, as well as the valleys of Qabrikha, Touline and Hula in southern Lebanon.

The latest strikes come amid continuing tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border and a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Iran on Thursday dismissed US President Donald Trump’s threats of economic pain and isolation, while Syria’s foreign minister is visiting Pakistan, which is seeking to defuse tensions between the United States and Iran. .

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty says Cairo is coordinating with Qatar on a daily basis to reduce regional escalation and strengthen diplomatic efforts.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Egypt’s Al-Alamein city, Abdelatty said the two countries were working closely to contain tensions across the region.

“There is daily coordination between Egypt and Qatar… to reduce escalation and enhance diplomacy in the region,” Abdelatty said.

• Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi says the US is heading towards its “next defeat” after announcing the so-called “Economic D-Day”. Gharibabadi said Washington claims Iran is “on the verge of defeat” while simultaneously seeking help from its allies.
• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused US President Donald Trump of using the announcement to distract from Washington’s “unprecedented debt & surging interest costs”. He said the new economic measures would ultimately “bring further defeat” to the US.
• The IRGC has threatened to deploy more destructive weapons in any next round of conflict with the US, claiming it retains the ability to further upgrade its military arsenal.
• Israel is shelling southern Lebanon, with artillery fire reported in Wadi al-Salouqi, al-Hujair and the valleys of Qabrikha, Touline and Hula, following reports of further Israeli air strikes overnight.
• A new Human Rights Watch report says escalating Israeli settler attacks have fully or partially displaced 107 Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank since January 2023, alongside unprecedented settlement expansion.

Escalating attacks by Israeli settlers have fully or partially displaced 107 Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank since January 2023, alongside unprecedented expansion of Israeli settlements, according to a new Human Rights Watch (HRW) report released on Thursday.

The rights group accused the administration of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of backing the escalating settler violence against Palestinians.

HRW said settlers responsible for attacks operate with financial, material and legal backing from the Israeli state, while armed attacks frequently take place alongside Israeli military units or while soldiers stand by.

The report points to what HRW describes as a broader pattern of settler violence and displacement occurring alongside continued settlement expansion across the occupied West Bank.

Israeli forces have carried out heavy artillery shelling across several areas of southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA).

NNA reported that Israeli artillery targeted the towns of Wadi al-Salouqi and al-Hujair, as well as the valleys around Qabrikha, Toulene and Hula.

The agency also reported that the Israeli army carried out a bombing in the town of al-Mansouri in southern Lebanon.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or the extent of damage from the latest shelling.