US Treasury Secretary Bessent announced an unprecedented economic offensive
aimed at severing Iran’s links to the global economy and warned countries that
continue commercial ties could face US sanctions. The campaign will focus on
five Iranian “lifelines”: digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and
shipping. President Trump is pressing foreign leaders to halt economic
engagement; affected countries will be given a deadline and, if they do not
comply, the Treasury said it will act unilaterally. Bessent gave no
implementation timetable or measure details and reiterated earlier threats of
“economic wrath,” including secondary sanctions on foreign financial
institutions, saying no one is beyond US sanctions. Analysts note Iran has
endured years of sanctions and it is uncertain whether additional measures will
force Tehran to yield on Strait of Hormuz issues.
