The United States has launched a fresh campaign to cripple Iran’s economy, urging countries and entities around the world to sever economic ties with Tehran or face possible US sanctions.
The initiative, dubbed “Operation Economic Outcast,” is aimed at cutting off potential sources of revenue for the Iranian government and further isolating the country from the global economy.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that no country or entity would be exempt from Washington’s sanctions.
“Every country, every entity should know that they should be prepared to face US sanctions. And no one is above this. We are going to hold everyone accountable, and this is economic asphyxiation of this regime,” Bessent said.
He said Iran was facing a choice between further economic isolation and an opportunity to return to the global economy.
“Iran now faces a very clear choice with only two paths before them: complete global isolation and a subsistence economy or a path back to normalcy with an opportunity to rejoin the global economy,” he added.
Bessent’s warning comes about six months after US and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered a major escalation in the regional conflict.
Although fighting has since largely settled into a stalemate, diplomatic efforts have stalled while tensions remain high over the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Washington’s latest move is expected to increase pressure on countries and businesses that maintain economic dealings with Tehran as the US seeks to further restrict Iran’s access to international markets and revenue.
