The United States announced new sanctions targeting Iran's missile and drone capabilities on Thursday, as the Trump administration awaits a potential response from Tehran regarding ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Treasury Department imposed restrictions on ten weapons dealers, with a particular focus on Chinese companies that supply materials to Iran's military for manufacturing drones and ballistic missiles. The sanctions are part of what officials describe as a "maximum pressure" campaign aimed at restricting Iran's ability to move oil funds and access military technology.

U.S. officials indicated they expect an Iranian response by Friday amid what sources describe as clashes in the strategically important Hormuz waterway. The strait serves as a critical shipping lane for global oil transport, and tensions there have implications for international energy markets.

The sanctions announcement comes as the administration works to address what experts say is mounting pressure on Iran's oil infrastructure. Some analysts suggest that Iran's storage capacity constraints may be forcing the country to find alternative methods for managing excess crude oil production.

Separately, U.S. and allied forces conducted military exercises in the Philippines, testing new tactics including drone boats and long-range missiles. The drills are part of broader efforts to enhance deterrence capabilities in Asia as regional tensions persist.