US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Tuesday that Iran is “panicking” over the intensified sanctions announced by Washington the previous day and shared the quotes of political leaders in Tehran to prove the point.&nbsp;“Iran’s leadership is admitting what the world can now see: the pressure is working,” Bessent wrote on X, alongside quotes from Iranian Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and President Masoud Pezeshkian about wanting the war to come to an end soon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Iran’s leadership is admitting what the world can now see: the pressure is working. President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged Iran’s economic shortages, saying, “The war must come to an end at some point.” Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, was even more… <a href="https://t.co/IEopNO1cT8">pic.twitter.com/IEopNO1cT8</a>&mdash; Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) <a href="https://x.com/SecScottBessent/status/2092286355338379405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-admin-says-kennedy-center-fundamentally-unsafe-may-demolish-it-if-court-blocks-renovations-1787685302353">Trump admin says Kennedy Center ‘fundamentally unsafe’, may demolish it if court blocks renovations</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The quotes were published in The Wall Street Journal last week, however, both leaders have since attacked the US sanctions and claimed that they would not pose a concern.&nbsp;“Americans know that no one buys their bombast; the United States is not in an economic position to further restrict its relations with other countries,” Ghalibaf wrote on X.“Iran’s trading partners, both in the media and through messages sent to us, have made it clear that they don’t take these statements into account anywhere,” he added.&nbsp;Iran’s economy minister said on Tuesday that the country had been preparing for sanctions for two years and the US plan would “suffer yet another defeat”.&nbsp;Bessent had referred to the remarks of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Speaker Ghalibaf, in which they mentioned that the war could not continue forever.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-bullying-disrespect-for-sovereignty-iran-cites-us-trade-war-with-canada-as-symptom-of-same-policy-1787680969919">‘Global bullying, disrespect for sovereignty’: Iran cites US trade war with Canada as symptom of same policy</a>&nbsp;Pezeshkian had called for an end to the months-long war with the United States, saying that Tehran holds a position of strength as diplomatic talks remain stalled.&nbsp;“It is better that we bring the war to an end now as we are in a position of power and dignity,” Pezeshkian had said.&nbsp;Similarly, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf had warned that military strength alone could not ensure the Islamic Republic’s survival if people faced hunger and the economy failed to grow.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-revoke-up-to-200-000-visas-in-largest-such-exercise-against-asylum-seekers-1787674058563">US to revoke up to 200,000 visas in largest such exercise against asylum seekers</a>&nbsp;“No matter how much military power we have, if people are hungry and we don’t have financial circulation, economic growth, and domestic production, we will not endure,” Ghalibaf had said.&nbsp;<h2>‘Ending the war, preserving unity our priority,’ says Iranian president</h2>&nbsp;President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Tuesday that ending the war is Iran’s priority and the Islamabad memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran was not signed out of submission, but “out of logic and awareness”.&nbsp;Pezeshkian claimed that Iran’s enemies realised they could not defeat the country militarily, so they focused on creating social problems and economic discontent, reported Iranian media.Ending the war and preserving unity are priorities of my government, the Iranian president said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-aircraft-lands-in-moscow-mystery-theories-swirl-as-kremlin-claims-it-has-no-idea-1787665191079">CIA Director John Ratcliffe on secret trip to Russia amid rumours over US military aircraft mystery landing in Moscow</a><h2>Oil prices fall for second straight day after sanctions</h2>&nbsp;Oil prices fell again on Tuesday, despite the announcement of new sanctions on Iran.The price for a barrel of Brent crude fell 3.8% to $87.14 midday and was heading for a second decline following 13 gains in 14 days. The oil prices dropped even though tensions between the US and Iran seemed to ratchet up higher.&nbsp;

President Masoud Pezeshkian had called for an end to the months-long war with the US, saying that Tehran holds a position of strength as diplomatic talks remain stalled. Speaker Ghalibaf had warned that military strength alone could not ensure Iran's survival if people faced hunger.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Tuesday that Iran is “panicking” over the intensified sanctions announced by Washington the previous day and shared the quotes of political leaders in Tehran to prove the point. “Iran’s leadership is admitting what the world can now see: the pressure is working,” Bessent wrote on X, alongside quotes from Iranian Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and President Masoud Pezeshkian about wanting the war to come to an end soon.

President Masoud Pezeshkian had called for an end to the months-long war with the US, saying that Tehran holds a position of strength as diplomatic talks remain stalled. Speaker Ghalibaf had warned that military strength alone could not ensure Iran's survival if people faced hunger.

‘The pressure is working’: Iranian leaders ‘panicking’ over economic sanctions, says Scott Bessent

President Donald Trump's economic strategy is facing fresh scrutiny as his administration continues using tariffs and sanctions to pressure trading partners and geopolitical rivals.

New tariffs of up to 12.5% on imports from 60 countries are now facing legal challenges, with multiple US states arguing that the administration exceeded its authority. Economists also suggest that American businesses and consumers—not foreign exporters—are paying much of the cost through higher prices.

At the same time, US sanctions on Russia have pushed Moscow to expand alternative payment systems, shadow shipping networks, and trade partnerships with countries such as China and India.

Trump's Tariffs & Sanctions Under Fire | Are US Economic Pressure Tactics Failing?

Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the G7 leaders have agreed to put a price cap on Russian oil and are seeking to impose new sanctions on Russia.

G7 leaders vow support to Ukraine, seeking to impose more economic sanctions on Russia

UK Boris Johnson has said that Britain will impose hard economic sanctions on Russia after President Vladimir Putin ordered the deployment of troops to two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine.

UK PM Boris Johnson to announce sanctions against Russia amid Ukraine crisis

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-permits-state-aid-to-develop-electric-battery-giants-267202">EU leaders</a> will renew economic sanctions against Russia when they meet for a summit this week, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Monday.

Maas said he saw no reason to relax the measures imposed on Moscow over its role in the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The sanctions target whole sectors of the Russian economy, including its valuable oil and gas industries.

European measures were first put in place after Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over rebel-held eastern Ukraine in 2014, killing 298 people, and EU leaders have renewed them every six months ever since.

France is hosting a highly-anticipated four-way summit with Russia, Ukraine and Germany on Monday in the hope of making progress towards peace in Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron has been pushing for a thaw between Europe and Russia, but Maas said it was too early to ease sanctions.

"We will continue what we thought was right so far,&nbsp;to extend the sanctions,&nbsp;because the reasons that led to the sanctions continue to exist," Maas said as he arrived for a meeting of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-act-and-react-as-one-european-union-on-proposed-us-tariffs-on-french-goods-265977">EU foreign ministers</a> in Brussels.

"At the moment, for me there is no reason to change anything in the sanctions policy of the European Union towards Russia."

Monday's meeting in Paris of Macron, Russian leader Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is the first so-called "Normandy Format" summit in three years.

It seeks to implement accords signed in Minsk in 2015 that call for the withdrawal of heavy weapons, the restoration of Kiev's control over its borders, wider autonomy for Donetsk and Lugansk, and the holding of local elections.

Thousands have been killed since pro-Russia militias in eastern Ukraine launched a bid for independence in 2014, kicking off a conflict that deepened Russia's estrangement from the West.

The EU insists the Minsk accords must be implemented if sanctions are to be lifted or relaxed.

EU leaders will renew economic sanctions against Russia when they meet for a summit this week, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Monday. Maas said he saw no reason to relax the measures imposed on Moscow over its role in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

EU leaders will renew economic sanctions against Russia when they meet for a summit this week, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Monday. Maas said he saw no reason to relax the measures imposed on Moscow over its role in the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The sanctions target whole sectors of the Russian economy, including its valuable oil and gas industries. European measures were first put in place after Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over rebel-held eastern Ukraine in 2014, killing 298 people, and EU leaders have renewed them every six months ever since. France is hosting a highly-anticipated four-way summit with Russia, Ukraine and Germany on Monday in the hope of making progress towards peace in Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron has been pushing for a thaw between Europe and Russia, but Maas said it was too early to ease sanctions. "We will continue what we thought was right so far, to extend the sanctions, because the reasons that led to the sanctions continue to exist," Maas said as he arrived for a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels. "At the moment, for me there is no reason to change anything in the sanctions policy of the European Union towards Russia." Monday's meeting in Paris of Macron, Russian leader Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is the first so-called "Normandy Format" summit in three years. It seeks to implement accords signed in Minsk in 2015 that call for the withdrawal of heavy weapons, the restoration of Kiev's control over its borders, wider autonomy for Donetsk and Lugansk, and the holding of local elections. Thousands have been killed since pro-Russia militias in eastern Ukraine launched a bid for independence in 2014, kicking off a conflict that deepened Russia's estrangement from the West. The EU insists the Minsk accords must be implemented if sanctions are to be lifted or relaxed.

European Union to prolong Russia sanctions: German minister

The Trump administration imposed sanctions on the Chinese military on Thursday for buying fighter jets and missile systems from Russia, in breach of a sweeping US&nbsp;sanctions law punishing Moscow for meddling in the 2016 US&nbsp;election.

The US&nbsp;State Department said it would immediately impose sanctions on China's Equipment Development Department (EDD), the branch of the Chinese military responsible for weapons and equipment, and its director, Li Shangfu, for engaging in "significant transactions" with Rosoboronexport, Russia's main arms exporter.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;China's Foreign Ministry on Friday said it strongly urged the United States to withdraw sanctions on the Chinese military, after the Trump administration imposed the penalties for buying fighter jets and missile systems from Russia.

Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang made the comments at a daily news briefing in Beijing.

The United States said China's armed forces were in breach of a sweeping US&nbsp;sanctions law punishing Moscow for meddling in the 2016 US&nbsp;election.

The sanctions are related to China's purchase of 10 SU-35 combat aircraft in 2017 and S-400 surface-to-air missile system-related equipment in 2018, the State Department said.

They block the Chinese agency, and Li, from applying for export licenses and participating the US&nbsp;financial system. It also adds them to the Treasury Department's list of specially designated individuals with whom Americans are barred from doing business.

The administration also blacklisted an additional 33 people and entities associated with Russian military and intelligence, adding them to a list under the 2017 law, known Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, or CAATSA.

CAATSA also seeks to punish Russia for its aggression in Ukraine and involvement in Syria's civil war.

Doing significant business with anyone on that list can trigger sanctions like those imposed on China.

Some of those added to the list, which now contains 72 names, were indicted in connection with Russian interference in the US&nbsp;election, the official said.

Earlier on Thursday, President Donald Trump issued an executive order intended to facilitate implementation of the sanctions.

A federal special counsel is leading a criminal investigation of Russian interference in the US&nbsp;election, and any possible cooperation with Trump's presidential campaign. Trump has insisted there was no collusion with Russia. Moscow denies any effort to meddle in US&nbsp;politics.

One US&nbsp;administration official, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity, said the sanctions imposed on the Chinese agency were aimed at Moscow, not Beijing or its military, despite an escalating trade war between the United States and China.

"The ultimate target of these sanctions is Russia. CAATSA sanctions in this context are not intended to undermine the defence capabilities of any particular country," the official told reporters on a conference call. "They are instead aimed at imposing costs upon Russia in response to its malign activities."

In Moscow, Russian member of parliament Franz Klintsevich said the sanctions would not affect the S-400 and SU-35 contracts.

"I am sure that these contracts will be executed in line with the schedule," Klintsevich was quoted as saying by Russia's Interfax news agency. "The possession of this of this military equipment is very important for China."

The measures come as the Trump administration pursues a variety of strategies to clamp down on China and faces growing pressure to respond strongly to US&nbsp;intelligence agency reports that Russia is continuing to meddle in US&nbsp;politics.

Members of Congress, including many of Trump's fellow Republicans, who passed the sanctions bill nearly unanimously, have repeatedly called on the administration to take a harder line against Moscow.

Administration officials said they hoped the action against EDD would send a message to others considering buying the S-400.

US&nbsp;officials have been discussing the issue particularly with NATO ally Turkey, which wants to buy the Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air missile batteries.

Washington has expressed concern that Turkey’s planned deployment of the S-400s could risk the security of some US-made weapons and other technology used by Turkey, including the F-35 fighter jet. US&nbsp;officials have warned that Turkey’s purchase of the system could contravene CAATSA.

"We hope that at least this step will send a signal of our seriousness and perhaps encourage others to think twice about their own engagement with the Russian defence and intelligence sectors," another US&nbsp;official said.

The Trump administration imposed sanctions on the Chinese military on Thursday for buying fighter jets and missile systems from Russia, in breach of a sweeping US sanctions law punishing Moscow for meddling in the 2016 US election.

The Trump administration imposed sanctions on the Chinese military on Thursday for buying fighter jets and missile systems from Russia, in breach of a sweeping US sanctions law punishing Moscow for meddling in the 2016 US election. The US State Department said it would immediately impose sanctions on China's Equipment Development Department (EDD), the branch of the Chinese military responsible for weapons and equipment, and its director, Li Shangfu, for engaging in "significant transactions" with Rosoboronexport, Russia's main arms exporter. Meanwhile, China's Foreign Ministry on Friday said it strongly urged the United States to withdraw sanctions on the Chinese military, after the Trump administration imposed the penalties for buying fighter jets and missile systems from Russia. Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang made the comments at a daily news briefing in Beijing. The United States said China's armed forces were in breach of a sweeping US sanctions law punishing Moscow for meddling in the 2016 US election. The sanctions are related to China's purchase of 10 SU-35 combat aircraft in 2017 and S-400 surface-to-air missile system-related equipment in 2018, the State Department said. They block the Chinese agency, and Li, from applying for export licenses and participating the US financial system. It also adds them to the Treasury Department's list of specially designated individuals with whom Americans are barred from doing business. The administration also blacklisted an additional 33 people and entities associated with Russian military and intelligence, adding them to a list under the 2017 law, known Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, or CAATSA. CAATSA also seeks to punish Russia for its aggression in Ukraine and involvement in Syria's civil war. Doing significant business with anyone on that list can trigger sanctions like those imposed on China. Some of those added to the list, which now contains 72 names, were indicted in connection with Russian interference in the US election, the official said. Earlier on Thursday, President Donald Trump issued an executive order intended to facilitate implementation of the sanctions. A federal special counsel is leading a criminal investigation of Russian interference in the US election, and any possible cooperation with Trump's presidential campaign. Trump has insisted there was no collusion with Russia. Moscow denies any effort to meddle in US politics. One US administration official, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity, said the sanctions imposed on the Chinese agency were aimed at Moscow, not Beijing or its military, despite an escalating trade war between the United States and China. "The ultimate target of these sanctions is Russia. CAATSA sanctions in this context are not intended to undermine the defence capabilities of any particular country," the official told reporters on a conference call. "They are instead aimed at imposing costs upon Russia in response to its malign activities." In Moscow, Russian member of parliament Franz Klintsevich said the sanctions would not affect the S-400 and SU-35 contracts. "I am sure that these contracts will be executed in line with the schedule," Klintsevich was quoted as saying by Russia's Interfax news agency. "The possession of this of this military equipment is very important for China." The measures come as the Trump administration pursues a variety of strategies to clamp down on China and faces growing pressure to respond strongly to US intelligence agency reports that Russia is continuing to meddle in US politics. Members of Congress, including many of Trump's fellow Republicans, who passed the sanctions bill nearly unanimously, have repeatedly called on the administration to take a harder line against Moscow. Administration officials said they hoped the action against EDD would send a message to others considering buying the S-400. US officials have been discussing the issue particularly with NATO ally Turkey, which wants to buy the Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air missile batteries. Washington has expressed concern that Turkey’s planned deployment of the S-400s could risk the security of some US-made weapons and other technology used by Turkey, including the F-35 fighter jet. US officials have warned that Turkey’s purchase of the system could contravene CAATSA. "We hope that at least this step will send a signal of our seriousness and perhaps encourage others to think twice about their own engagement with the Russian defence and intelligence sectors," another US official said.

China urges US to withdraw sanctions over purchase of Russian warplanes, missiles 

North Korea's national soccer team coach Jorn Andersen on Saturday said he accomplished all of his goals as manager but economic hardships have made it impossible for him to stay on in the country.

The Norwegian, whose contract expires today, was appointed in May 2016 and took charge of his last game on Tuesday when he steered his team to a victory over Hong Kong that booked their spot in next year's Asian Cup finals.

"I don`t want to stay. It was interesting and I learned a lot and experienced many things, but the economic situation is not so good so it`s not possible to stay,' he said.

"After two years I want to take the next step and hopefully stay in Asia," he added.&nbsp

The U.N. Security Council has unanimously boosted sanctions on North Korea since 2006 in a bid to choke off funding for Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, banning exports including coal, iron, lead, textiles and seafood, and capping imports of crude oil and refined petroleum products.

The sanctions have had a major impact, with the North's sporting organisations also affected.

In December, Andersen led his team to the finals of the East Asian Championships in Japan but organisers said they were unable to award any prize money to the North Koreans due to economic sanctions.

Andersen's team finished fourth in the men's competition and North Korea's women won their tournament, only for the national association to miss out on a $70,000 payday.

Despite the issues, Andersen said he improved the fortunes of the squad during his stay in Pyongyang.

"The team now is stronger and we have seen that in the last game here and in Japan against the strongest teams at the end of last year," he said.

"When I came here I was given two targets, to qualify for the East Asian Championships in Japan last year and after that to qualify for the Asian Cup.

"There was also a third, which was to change the playing style of the team. When I came here they only played long balls and running and fighting without tactics.

"Now we are playing football, we are advancing and tactically we are good. That is for me the most important point."

After his two-year stint in Asia, the former Mainz and Karlsruher coach is returning to Germany but says he would be keen to return to the region to work in the future. 
&nbsp

Jorn said he accomplished all of his goals as manager

North Korea's national soccer team coach Jorn Andersen on Saturday said he accomplished all of his goals as manager but economic hardships have made it impossible for him to stay on in the country. The Norwegian, whose contract expires today, was appointed in May 2016 and took charge of his last game on Tuesday when he steered his team to a victory over Hong Kong that booked their spot in next year's Asian Cup finals. "I don`t want to stay. It was interesting and I learned a lot and experienced many things, but the economic situation is not so good so it`s not possible to stay,' he said. "After two years I want to take the next step and hopefully stay in Asia," he added. The U.N. Security Council has unanimously boosted sanctions on North Korea since 2006 in a bid to choke off funding for Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, banning exports including coal, iron, lead, textiles and seafood, and capping imports of crude oil and refined petroleum products. The sanctions have had a major impact, with the North's sporting organisations also affected. In December, Andersen led his team to the finals of the East Asian Championships in Japan but organisers said they were unable to award any prize money to the North Koreans due to economic sanctions. Andersen's team finished fourth in the men's competition and North Korea's women won their tournament, only for the national association to miss out on a $70,000 payday. Despite the issues, Andersen said he improved the fortunes of the squad during his stay in Pyongyang. "The team now is stronger and we have seen that in the last game here and in Japan against the strongest teams at the end of last year," he said. "When I came here I was given two targets, to qualify for the East Asian Championships in Japan last year and after that to qualify for the Asian Cup. "There was also a third, which was to change the playing style of the team. When I came here they only played long balls and running and fighting without tactics. "Now we are playing football, we are advancing and tactically we are good. That is for me the most important point." After his two-year stint in Asia, the former Mainz and Karlsruher coach is returning to Germany but says he would be keen to return to the region to work in the future.

North Korea coach Jorn Andersen departs as economic sanctions bite

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