The United States has opened another front in its economic pressure campaign against Iran , this time targeting the railways Tehran increasingly relies on as maritime trade becomes more difficult.

On October 1, the US Treasury sanctioned three Iranian railway companies alongside seven automakers and five foreign suppliers of automotive parts as part of its Operation Economic Outcast.

Washington says Iran's rail and automotive industries provide revenue and logistical capacity to the state and are connected to networks involving the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) .

The timing of the move is significant.…