The first set of US sanctions on Iran are set to kick in on 6 August, months after the administration of US President Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal between Tehran and the P5+1 group.

Washington is reimposing sanctions on Iran’s purchases of US dollars, its trade in gold and precious metals, and its dealings with metals, coal and industrial-related software.

The US has told other countries they must halt imports of Iranian oil starting in early November or face financial measures.

Sanctions impacting Iran’s energy sector will be applied on 4 November.

Already facing broad economic fallout as their currency implodes, Iranians are wondering how the next phase of the crisis in US relations will play out, and what exactly America's long-term strategy would be towards their country.

For now, the US is fixated on bringing as much diplomatic and economic pressure against Iran as possible – though it is not clear where things are headed for, or if there is an increased risk of conflict.

Despite opposition from European allies, the US walked out of the 2015 nuclear deal on 8 May and is bringing back "maximum pressure" sanctions. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on 5 August said Washington will detail implementation of the “snapback sanctions” on Tehran.

“It’s an important part of our efforts to push back against Iranian malign activity. “The United States is going to enforce these sanctions,” Pompeo has been quoted as saying by media reports.

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