Pakistan announced it will not comply with the latest U.S. sanctions on Iran and will continue trading with its neighbor, but this decision followed a similar stance from China, which imports over 80 percent of Iran’s oil exports. The U.S. sanctions, announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on August 24, are part of what he called “the toughest sanctions in history,” aiming to isolate Iran economically.

Historical Ineffectiveness of Sanctions

Economic sanctions have a poor track record when it comes to toppling governments, According to Al Jazeera, while sanctions may impoverish populations and strengthen security forces, they rarely lead to administration change. Historical examples show that governments can withstand and even use sanctions as a rallying point against foreign interference — the U.S. strategy, which includes bombing and a naval blockade, has not produced a victory and now seeks to starve Iran into submission.

Iran’s ability to endure such measures is supported by its geographic and trade relationships; China, as a major buyer of Iranian oil, has stated it will not be deterred by U.S. pressure. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China’s cooperation with Iran is conducted within the framework of international law and will not be disrupted.

Global Economic Implications

The U.S. strategy is expected to deepen stagflationary pressures already affecting Europe, Japan, and other allies. By removing Iranian oil from an already strained global market,where a fifth of oil supply has been lost due to the Strait of Hormuz being closed,the U.S. risks worsening global economic instability. This move could backfire on the U.S. as other countries are forced to choose between economic ties with Washington and continued trade with Iran.

According to Iran International, the sanctions expand the sectors in which foreign companies can be sanctioned, including digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping, and Treasury Secretary Bessent emphasized that no one is above the reach of U.S. sanctions and urged world leaders to decide between America and Iran. However, nations like China and Pakistan have shown little willingness to comply with this ultimatum.

What Is Really New About the Strategy

While the U.S. claims the campaign marks a historic turning point, Iran has been under American sanctions for 47 years; the new measures, though more expansive, do not represent a radical departure from past strategies. Iran International noted that the operation includes a list of nearly 60 entities, individuals, and vessels tied to oil, military procurement, and cyber operations, but However, given the long-standing sanctions and Iran’s resilience, it remains to be seen whether this new approach will yield different results.

President Donald Trump labeled the operation “ECONOMIC D-DAY” and warned of “tremendous economic consequences” for any country that supports Iran, Yet, with key trade partners like China and Pakistan resisting U.S. pressure, the operation appears to be facing early resistance. The U.S. strategy, while aggressive, may ultimately prove ineffective in isolating Iran and could instead drive further economic fragmentation in the region.