WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has broadened its Iran sanctions framework while opening new trade conflicts with European and Asian partners, marking a significant shift toward economic unilateralism that veteran diplomats warn could undermine U.S. global influence.

Secondary sanctions targeting Iranian oil exports have expanded to include financial institutions in Germany, South Korea, and Japan that maintained limited business ties with Tehran. The Treasury Department announced Wednesday that 47 additional entities face asset freezes and banking restrictions, extending the sanctions web far beyond Iran's borders.

"The administration appears to be weaponizing economic policy on multiple fronts simultaneously," said Dr. Elizabeth Chen, director of international economics at the Atlantic Council. "This approach risks alienating the very allies we need to maintain effective pressure on Iran." The new measures have drawn sharp criticism from European Union officials, who described them as extraterritorial overreach.

Concurrent trade disputes with Canada over lumber imports and with Mexico regarding agricultural subsidies have further strained North American relations. Robert Martinez, former deputy U.S. trade representative, warned that "pursuing economic confrontation with allies while sanctioning adversaries creates unnecessary diplomatic complications." The combined effect has prompted several allied nations to explore alternative payment systems that bypass U.S. dollar transactions entirely.