In a fresh escalation, the United States has announced a broad sanctions package targeting shadow financial networks believed to help Iran bypass international restrictions.

The U.S. Treasury said the measures include dozens of individuals and entities linked to parallel banking systems that rely on front companies and complex cross-border transactions.

The move marks an expansion beyond oil and traditional banking, now targeting cryptocurrencies and informal financial channels as part of Washington’s renewed “maximum pressure” strategy.

U.S. officials say these networks have enabled Iran to move billions of dollars outside the global financial system, helping it evade sanctions.