World Service

There have been a lot of sanctions programmes against Iran. But this week US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Operation Economic Outcast, which promises to go further than ever before. It will punish not just Iran but any country helping Iran – including China. It’s the Trump administration’s latest attempt to end the war. Will it work? We speak to Vali Nasr, professor of international affairs and Middle East studies at Johns Hopkins University, and ask whether in trying to end one war, President Trump risks starting a global trade conflict. Producers: Mhairi MacKenzie and Lucy Pawle Digital producer: Matt Pintus Mix: Travis Evans Editor: James Shield Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks during a press conference to outline further sanctions against Iran, at the Treasury Department in Washington, D.C., August 24, 2026.Credit: Reuters/Evelyn Hockstein