US Treasury chief claims success in isolating Iran

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has revealed his role in pressuring countries to isolate Iran economically, according to reports. Bessent emphasized that envoys were sent to countries worldwide to demand action against the Iranian regime. These efforts have evidently yielded positive results, according to Bessent.

Turkey and Oman have ceased incoming flights from the private carrier Mahan Air, while the UAE has halted all flights by Iranian airlines. Dubai, the UAE's commercial hub, serves as a major destination for Iranian airlines, with numerous daily flights and a significant Iranian community. Bessent pointed out that the UAE's central bank recently blocked transactions to and from Iran by branches of Iran's Bank Melli on charges of money laundering, terrorism, and arms proliferation. Turkey had previously revoked the license of Iran's Bank Mellat last week.

According to a Wall Street Journal article cited by Bessent, Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing Jonathan Burke traveled extensively over two weeks in the Middle East and Europe to push the plan to impose an "economic D-Day" on Tehran. Bessent stated in a Monday interview that all Iranian airlines will be shut down globally. However, smaller Iranian carriers continue to operate international routes, particularly to China, which is resisting US pressure.