CNBC Daily Open: Washington tightens squeeze on the Iranian economy

Washington is escalating its pressure campaign on Iran by shifting from the Strait of Hormuz toward the financial system, according to U.S. officials cited by CNBC. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the U.S. will apply “measures” against Iran described as “never been seen,” while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. Navy can keep its blockade of Iranian ports operating “indefinitely” by rotating ships. Iran’s central bank governor Abdolnasser Hemmati said Iran will soon join the BRICS New Development Bank. Markets also digested tariff threats of 25% on countries buying Iranian goods or services, plus references to U.S. carrier deployment and shifting global trade flows.