Bessent urges US partners to back plans to 'squash' Iran economy
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned allies that they must choose between supporting U.S. efforts to isolate Iran's economy or facing severe economic consequences. The administration plans to implement a massive, coordinated sanctions campaign to avoid direct military conflict.
Why it matters
This highlights a significant escalation in U.S. foreign policy and economic warfare, pressuring global partners to align with U.S. sanctions against Iran.
Image source, EPA By Rorey Bosotti Published 13 minutes ago US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged US allies to "make a decision" on whether they will support Washington's efforts to "squash" the Iranian economy.
Bessent's remarks come after US President Donald Trump said on his social platform Truth Social that countries providing "any type of lifeline" to the Islamic Republic's regime will face "tremendous economic consequences" .
The Treasury secretary did not offer any insight on the measures Trump's team is looking to implement but noted the underlying message to US allies will be: "You are either with us or against us".
"It is time for our allies and the rest of the world to make a decision," Bessent told broadcaster CNBC.
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