Practice English with NewsPractice with News
PoliticsBusiness243 words2 min read

Iran Says It Is Ready for New US Sanctions

The flag of Iran waving against a clear dark blue sky
Photo by sina drakhshani on Unsplash
0:00 / 0:00

Listen to the story

The United States has introduced new sanctions against Iran, describing them as the greatest financial offensive it has ever launched. Officials have compared the move to "economic D-Day," a reference to the huge military invasion that helped end World War Two.

Sanctions are official measures used to limit a country's access to money, trade, or international banking systems. The US often uses them to pressure other governments without direct military action.

Iran has responded by saying it is fully prepared for the new sanctions. Tehran, Iran's capital and often used to refer to its government, claims it has developed a strategy to counter the economic pressure and reduce its impact.

The goal of the US sanctions appears to be forcing changes in Iranian policy by cutting off financial resources. However, Iran's leaders insist that outside pressure will not force them to change their approach.

This situation adds to long-running tension between the two countries. Previous rounds of sanctions have targeted Iran's oil exports, banking sector, and international trade partners.

Analysts say new sanctions could affect global oil markets, since Iran is a major oil-producing nation. Businesses and governments in other countries are watching closely, as sanctions can also affect companies that trade with Iran.

For now, it remains unclear exactly what actions the US sanctions will include or how effective Iran's plan will be. Both sides appear ready to continue this economic standoff, with wider consequences possible for global markets and diplomacy.

Vocabulary10 words

sanctions
official rules limiting money or trade with a country
invasion
when soldiers enter another country by force
economic D-Day
a term comparing new sanctions to a huge historical attack
counter
to act against something to reduce its effect
approach
a way of doing or dealing with something
tension
a feeling of stress between people or countries
oil-producing
describes a country that makes and sells a lot of oil
standoff
a situation where neither side gives up
diplomacy
managing relationships between countries through talk, not force
financial offensive
a strong action meant to hurt a country's money system

Quiz

1. What historical event does 'economic D-Day' refer to?
2. How has Iran responded to the new US sanctions?
3. True or False: Analysts believe the sanctions could affect global oil markets.

Fill-in-the-blank listening

Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.

The United States has introduced new _____ against Iran.

Officials have compared the move to _____.

Sanctions are official measures used to limit a country's access to _____.

Iran has responded by saying it is fully _____ for the new sanctions.

Tehran claims it has developed a _____ to counter the economic pressure.

The goal of the US sanctions appears to be forcing changes in Iranian _____.

Iran's leaders insist that outside pressure will not force them to change their _____.

Previous rounds of sanctions have targeted Iran's oil exports, banking sector, and international trade _____.

Iran is a major _____ nation.

Both sides appear ready to continue this economic _____.

More Politics stories

Next story · Medium

Injury Report Released Ahead of Dream vs. Sparks WNBA Game

→