US officials warned allies and China on Thursday to join a campaign that isolates Iran’s economy, saying the pressure could force Tehran to change its policies. Iran’s foreign ministry called the US threats economic terrorism and crimes against humanity. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said any remaining economic ties to Tehran would hasten its economic decline and that further details would be provided at a press conference on Monday. Vice President JD Vance said the United States considers economic pressure the most effective tool and that Iran would attempt to apply pressure on the United States. Bessent added that discussions with China should be held privately but urged Beijing to cooperate. President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit the White House on September 24. The United States announced new sanctions Thursday targeting Hezbollah’s financing network in Lebanon, citing its close ties with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. The administration also approved a potential $4.5 billion sale of refueling aircraft to Qatar, which has served as a mediator in the conflict. A new US aircraft carrier strike group arrived in the Middle East on Wednesday, replacing the USS Abraham Lincoln, which had reported logistical issues during a deployment that began in November 2025. President Donald Trump said on his Truth Social platform that talks with Iran are on hold and announced an unprecedented economic operation, but did not specify the measures.