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New US sanctions against Iran | SBS News in Easy English 25 August 2026

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Welcome to SBS News in Easy English. I'm Tee Mitchell.

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The United States has announced new sanctions aimed at cutting off revenue to Iran.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the sanctions will target a range of sectors.

They include digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping.

He's demanding other countries join the sanctions campaign, which the US has billed ‘economic D-Day'.

"Treasury has mapped every node, every facilitator and every network that Iran has used to smuggle oil and evade sanctions. Beginning today, the actions of Treasury and other agencies will tighten the noose and block every potential source of revenue that funds the IRGC and the evil Iranian regime. We are enforcing a zero leakage approach."

Kazem Gharibabadi is Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister.

He's dismissed US threats as an admission of military defeat.

Mr Gharibabadi also cautioned other countries against supporting the US campaign.

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The New South Wales government has announced a package of anti-gambling reforms which it says will mostly be in place by 2028.

The changes include compulsory facial recognition in gaming rooms and a ban on VIP programs.

The government will also create a statewide poker machine exclusion register.

New South Wales Gaming Minister, David Harris, says the measures will help reduce harmful gambling.

"It empowers players to actively manage budgets and time with confidence, fostering personal agency and mindful entertainment choices. And it strengthens consumer confidence and operational integrity, while utilising secure systems that protect privacy effectively while preventing illicit financial activity."

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The world's oceans have reached their highest daily temperature on record.

That's according to the European climate service, Copernicus.

They say data shows global sea surface temperatures hit 21.1 degrees Celsius on Saturday.

Dr Sam Burgess, from Copernicus, says it is a sign ocean ecosystems are under pressure.

"The record ocean temperature that we see right now is a combination of background level of warming, so the ocean in general has warmed about 0.8 degrees Celsius from human-induced climate change, and then we've got this boost from the El Nino event. Corals as well as most marine organisms get incredibly stressed when the water environment is too hot for them. It also leads to fish mortality."

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The prime minister will outline a plan for national rules governing AI data centres at a business event later today.

Anthony Albanese will speak about new minimum standards expected to cover energy, water, and where facilities can be built.

Developers could be blocked from building data centres near homes, schools or prime agricultural land.

The federal proposal will be discussed with state and territory leaders at National Cabinet tomorrow.

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Thanks for listening to SBS News in Easy English. I'm Tee Mitchell.


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