Trump orders to prepare for long sanctions on Iran: Wall Street Journal

The United States has maintained multiple sanctions on Iranian oil trade for decades. However, Tehran has managed to bypass these restrictions to trade oil on the international market, ensuring a steady stream of revenue. The country has even seen increased financial gains from oil sales amidst ongoing conflicts.

In light of this, the U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on 35 individuals and entities accused of supporting the "shadow banking system" that sustains Iranian oil sales and aids the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the move via a post on the social media platform X on Wednesday. However, neither the department's official statement nor the Secretary's post specified the names of the individuals or the countries where these entities are based.

The U.S. alleges that Iran, with the help of various domestic and foreign individuals and entities, has established a "shadow banking system." Through this system, third parties facilitate the sale of oil to global customers, deposit the proceeds into accounts at international banks, and then transfer those funds to the Iranian defense forces and the IRGC’s elite units.

The responsibility for overseeing Iran's oil trade and marketing lies with the country's defense forces and the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The 35 individuals and entities sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury are all considered part of this third-party network, acting indirectly or behind the scenes to help funnel oil revenues to the Iranian government, defense forces, and the IRGC.
Trump Orders Preparations for Prolonged Iran Blockade: Wall Street Journal

U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed officials to prepare for a long-term blockade and sustained pressure on Iran, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.

The report states that President Trump has directed his associates to brace for an extended period of sanctions and economic measures against the Iranian regime.
The report from the American media outlet further notes that the objective of this strategy is to maintain pressure on Iran's economy and oil exports by limiting ship movements at Iranian ports, rather than resuming military strikes. According to the report, Trump wants Iran to suspend uranium enrichment for at least 20 years.

The Wall Street Journal highlights that Trump has concluded that alternative paths are far riskier than maintaining a blockade.

Meanwhile, Iranian officials have informed mediators that they require more time to consult with top leadership before submitting a revised proposal. Since Washington declared a ceasefire with Iran, it has maintained a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, preventing any ships from traveling to or from Iran.
Five Killed, Including Rescue Workers, in Israeli 'Double-Tap' Strike in Lebanon

Israel launched an airstrike on the town of Majdal Zoun in southern Lebanon. As Civil Defense workers arrived to rescue those injured in the initial blast, Israeli forces launched a second strike. This "double-tap" attack killed five people, including three rescue workers, according to a spokesperson for Lebanon's Civil Defense who spoke to Reuters.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam described the attack as "a new and flagrant war crime." Last month, the UN Human Rights Office stated that Israeli airstrikes on civilians, including healthcare workers in Lebanon, could amount to war crimes.

Israeli forces continue their shelling and destruction of infrastructure in Lebanon. A massive explosion was reported in the town of Al-Kantara, where Israel claims to have destroyed a Hezbollah tunnel network. In Bint Jbeil, houses continue to be demolished; Hezbollah claimed to have targeted an Israeli bulldozer with an explosive drone there for the second consecutive day.