U.S. President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States will intensify its economic pressure campaign against Iran, with new sanctions to be announced on August 24, while the United Arab Emirates prepares phased trade and financial restrictions. Bessent announced on August 20 that the United States will impose additional sanctions on Iran and on entities that have commercial ties to Iran, and that the existing blockade will be paired with measures intended to further constrain Iran’s economy. Iranian officials say they face foreign currency shortages, rising youth unemployment and reconstruction costs, and are pursuing alternative trade, banking and financial arrangements to reduce the impact of these pressures. The United Arab Emirates announced on August 19 it will suspend all trade and financial transactions with Iran after missile attacks on Emirati maritime targets, and will begin phased restrictions that limit cargo and financial flows; about 80 percent of Iran’s foreign exchange comes through the UAE. Saudi Arabia has asked the Iraqi government to arrest and prosecute leaders of Iranian‑backed militias that have attacked Saudi territory, and Iraqi officials have taken limited steps since late July to curb militia activity. Iranian Revolutionary Guard Quds Force commander Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani warned Iranian‑backed militias against further attacks on Saudi Arabia during a visit to Baghdad, and Houthi rebels claimed drone attacks on a Saudi airport and an oil facility in Najran on August 20. Iranian officials have indicated plans to invest in alternative oil export routes, including a deal signed on August 15 to export oil to Tajikistan, and to develop financial corridors with Iraq and BRICS partners to reduce reliance on Western financial systems. The coordinated actions by the United States, the United Arab Emirates and regional partners may deepen Iran’s economic challenges, while Iran continues to seek new export routes and financial partnerships.