USA varsler «økonomisk kvelning» av Iran

The US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, introduced on Monday what he described as a "robust campaign" to isolate Iran from the global economy. Countries continuing trade relations with Tehran face potential American sanctions, Bloomberg reported. Bessent announced at a press conference in Washington that the initiative aimed to "economically starve the regime."

According to Bessent, President Donald Trump is now contacting world leaders with "concrete requests to stop dealing with the regime." Countries have been given a deadline to halt economic cooperation with Iran; otherwise, the US Treasury Department will act independently. The target of the US is five of Iran's "most crucial markets": digital currencies, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping.

However, Bessent did not specify the exact actions the US plans to take or when. When asked if the US is willing to cut off large Chinese banks aiding Iran's trade, Bessent responded, "No one is outside the reach of American sanctions." He did not name China or other countries and said that diplomatic channels are the best way forward.

It remains unclear whether this move will prompt Iran to yield to American demands, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has endured American sanctions for over a decade, and many targets have already been hit, Bloomberg reported.