US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States is to begin what he described as the “single greatest financial offensive ever marshaled against an adversary” (against Iran), warning countries that continue to provide economic support to Tehran could face isolation.
Bessent said the US campaign is aimed at cutting off what he called “every economic lifeline” sustaining the Iranian government. “Iran’s economic day of reckoning is coming,” Bessent said, adding that countries that continue to tie their economic future to Tehran could lose access to a path toward sustainable prosperity.
He also warned that any country acting as a financial lifeline for Iran should expect to “share isolation with it.” The announcement marks a major escalation in Washington’s economic pressure on Tehran, with Bessent indicating that the US intends to target Iran’s remaining financial and economic connections.
Bessent further warned that any military action by Iran against US forces or Gulf states would receive a swift and decisive response from President Donald Trump. The US Treasury Secretary’s remarks come as Washington prepares to announce further economic measures against Iran and countries and entities that continue to maintain economic ties with Tehran.
Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Ministry said today that Beijing will closely monitor developments and take necessary measures to protect its rights, as the United States prepares to unveil new sanctions on Iran that are expected to target Tehran’s trading partners.
During a press conference, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian called on all parties to exercise rationality and restraint, warning that sanctions and pressure tactics do not help resolve the issues.
This happened when Bessent threatened to impose “the toughest sanctions in history” on Iran and called on China to cooperate with Washington.
