Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending August 21, 2026
Iran has warned that any new US threats will trigger a "devastating” response, while Washington prepares what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calls the toughest sanctions in history in an effort to pressure Iran’s leadership.
Bessent said details will be announced on Monday and suggested the measures are intended to avoid a renewed large-scale military escalation.
Meanwhile, oil prices have risen amid concerns over disruptions to Gulf energy exports, with the US blockade reportedly reducing Iranian oil shipments to China, Tehran’s largest buyer. China has opposed further sanctions and...
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