The U.S. Treasury Department’s launch of Operation Economic Outcast on Monday will require relatively little sacrifice from South Korea after years of compliance with U.S. sanctions. However, the expanded campaign could narrow Seoul’s ability to protect Korean ships and commercial interests through pragmatic dealings with Tehran.

Treasury has added Iran’s shipping, technology, aviation, gold and digital asset sectors to those covered by Executive Order 13902 — the 2020 order that lets Washington sanction foreign persons determined to operate in designated sectors of the Iranian economy.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent saidU.S. officials are giving countries specific demands and deadlines to