Treasury Secretary Bessent says US entering 'endgame' with Iran, will sever economic lifelines

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the U.S. is entering the "endgame" against Iran, signaling a sharp escalation in economic sanctions. In a Financial Times op-ed, Bessent likened the move to a "D-Day" against the nation, vowing to sever all economic lifelines to the Iranian regime. The U.S. has already significantly weakened Iran's military and nuclear programs, but Bessent asserts the final battle now centers on economic isolation.

President Donald Trump has been at the forefront of this campaign, warning that any country aiding Iran financially will face "tremendous economic consequences." Under this new strategy, the U.S. Treasury and government will impose the "toughest sanctions in history," targeting any American allies that continue to engage with Iran, either through monetary transfers or oil purchases.

Bessent emphasized that while past attempts to isolate Iran have not succeeded, the current approach combines a blockade with unprecedented sanctions. He believes this relentless economic pressure will ultimately collapse the regime, drawing parallels to successful isolation tactics used against Venezuela and Cuba. He cautioned that any nation aiding Iran will hasten its own economic ostracization, likening such ties to hastening the regime's downfall.