Scott Bessent Launches Operation Economic Outcast to Isolate Iran Through Global Sanctions
The administration announced a new campaign of severe economic sanctions against Iran, dubbed "Operation Economic Outcast." Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the initiative as an "economic onslaught" intended to sever every financial lifeline sustaining the Iranian regime. The administration aims to achieve through economic pressure what military force has failed to accomplish over the past six months. Scott Bessent stated that no country or entity is above the reach of US sanctions, specifically targeting brokers and companies in regions like China, the United Arab Emirates, and Europe. While China remains a major trading partner for Iran, the administration is prepared to impose penalties on any nation that facilitates Iranian oil transactions. Iran has vowed a "seismic" retaliation, with security chief Mohsen Rezaei warning that any country partnering with the US will be considered an enemy. The sanctions come as the global economy faces disruptions from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. While the administration remains open to kinetic strikes, the new economic measures are designed to pressure Tehran into a political settlement.