Iranians queue for petrol after US announces new sanctions

Iranians faced long queues at petrol stations in Tehran on Tuesday, following the United States' announcement of new sanctions targeting the country, according to AFP. The fresh measures were part of Washington's efforts to intensify economic pressure on Tehran, as the six-month-long war reached a stalemate. Peace talks had stalled, and most traffic through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz had been blocked.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent outlined plans to "economically asphyxiate" Iran, stating that the goal was to "sever every economic lifeline that sustains this tyrannical regime." Iranian authorities largely ignored Washington's threats, noting that the country had been under sanctions for decades. However, residents in Tehran expressed concern that the latest measures could further impact fuel supplies and the broader economy.

The petrol station queues came as uncertainty grew over fuel availability and prices, as the new US sanctions added to economic pressure on Iran.