US Treasury chief claims successes in isolating Iran
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced successes in economically isolating Iran, citing new restrictions on Iranian airlines and banks by countries like Turkiye, Oman, and the UAE. He stated that teams were dispatched globally to pressure nations, leading to actions such as Turkiye revoking Bank Mellat's license and the UAE central bank blocking Bank Melli transactions.
Why it matters
These actions intensify economic pressure on Iran, potentially impacting its ability to fund activities deemed problematic by the US, and highlight ongoing geopolitical tensions and the US's use of economic sanctions as a foreign policy tool.
WASHINGTON: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Saturday that he had sent envoys around the world to pressure countries to economically isolate Iran, hailing new restrictions targeting the country’s airlines and banks.
“At my direction, teams were dispatched across the globe to engage with countries and demand action against the Iranian regime,” he said on X. “These efforts are delivering results.”
Bessent noted that Turkiye and Oman have halted incoming flights from private carrier Mahan Air, while the United Arab Emirates has stopped all flights by Iranian airlines.
Dubai, the UAE’s commercial hub, is a major destination for Iran’s carriers, with multiple daily flights, a large Iranian community and close business links.
Bessent also highlighted new banking restrictions.
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