On Aug 20, U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent said he will hold a press briefing on Aug 24 to outline U.S. actions targeting Iran. President Trump warned on Aug 19 that any country providing 'any form of lifeline' to Iran would face economic consequences. Bessent said the Treasury has asymmetric information and questioned why oil has become the focus; he added that applying maximum economic pressure would make large-scale military conflict less likely.

2026-08-21

On Aug 20, U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent said he will hold a press briefing on Aug 24 to outline U.S. actions targeting Iran. President Trump warned on Aug 19 that any country providing 'any form of lifeline' to Iran would face economic consequences. Bessent said the Treasury has asymmetric information and questioned why oil has become the focus; he added that applying maximum economic pressure would make large-scale military conflict less likely.