The latest measures have forced the cancellation of English proficiency and graduate exams, isolating many Iranians most eager to foster ties with the world.

© Arash Khamooshi/Polaris for The New York Times

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is meeting with finance ministers of the world's largest economies this week at a time when the United States has disrupted the international order with aggressive tariffs on major allies and an unpopular war on Iran.

"This is going to be financial violence if we have to," Bessent said in the interview. "We are showing people that we know who you are, you know who you are, and this has got to stop."

Russia is the largest destination for stolen Canadian cars. Smugglers are meeting the demand of a booming black market.

© Nasuna Stuart-Ulin for The New York Times

The U.S. launched what the Trump administration calls "Operation Economic Outcast" against Iran. It includes threats to increase sanctions on Iran's trading partners. The pressure comes as the administration indicates it is trying to avoid returning to war, but cannot overcome Iran's stranglehold over the Strait of Hormuz. Nick Schifrin discussed more with Miad Maleki.