WASHINGTON (Kashmir English): US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned countries and companies cooperating with Iran that they will face direct US sanctions, as Washington prepares to impose what he described as some of the toughest economic measures against Tehran.
Speaking at a press conference, Bessent said the United States would target countries, companies and financial institutions providing economic support to Iran.
He also announced that licenses previously granted for certain remittance payments to Iran had been revoked, further tightening financial restrictions on Tehran.
Bessent warned that no country should attempt to test Washington’s patience, saying the United States could use economic sanctions as a powerful tool against Iran.
He said the US strategy would focus on cutting off the financial channels supporting the Iranian government. According to Bessent, once economic and financial pressure is fully applied, there would be less need for additional military operations.
“The economic sanctions will force the Iranian regime to its knees,” Bessent said, arguing that every financial artery supporting the Iranian government must be targeted.
The US Treasury secretary further warned that countries or companies providing economic assistance to Iran would also face consequences.
He said entities unwilling to comply with Washington’s demands could lose access to the US dollar-based financial system.
Bessent said any country that became a “financial artery” for Iran would risk being subjected to global financial isolation.
He also pointed to the United Arab Emirates, claiming that it had already suspended its business activities with Iran. Bessent warned that countries and companies continuing to conduct business with Tehran could face direct US sanctions.
According to the Treasury secretary, Washington also plans to significantly narrow the scope of licenses previously issued to Iran for humanitarian activities and certain forms of trade.
He said the objective was to close what he described as Iran’s remaining financial lifelines and increase economic pressure on the Iranian leadership.
Bessent further claimed that the economic blockade would pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and accept US conditions for ending the conflict.
He also distinguished between countries supporting Washington and those maintaining close economic ties with Tehran, saying US partners would benefit from deeper access to global investment opportunities.
Countries that continue to remain financially connected to Tehran, he warned, would increasingly become part of Iran’s international isolation.
