United States

‘Economic D-Day’ against Iran: Bessent also threatens China over sanctions

The US wants to target digital assets, gold, technology, aviation and maritime transport. The US Treasury Secretary said: ‘Anyone who is not with us will be isolated, without exception.’ Trump is ‘on the phone trying to persuade world leaders’.

Il segretario americano al Tesoro Scott Bessent APN

3' min read

Translated by AI
Versione italiana

3' min read

Translated by AI
Versione italiana

‘Economic D-Day’ – the sanctions war that the United States intends to unleash to ‘isolate Iran through unprecedented measures’ – has rapidly become – as was evident again yesterday in statements from the US administration – a threat to countries that do business with the Tehran regime, that buy Iranian oil and ultimately prop up the Ayatollahs’ economy. First and foremost, China, which has been the main buyer of Iranian oil for years. But also India and Turkey. And then there are Russia, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan.

Scott Bessent, during a press conference in Washington, announced ‘the immediate launch of Operation Economic Outcast’, a new series of secondary sanctions, forming part of a broad ‘economic offensive to marginalise Iran and sever Tehran’s financial ties around the world’: “Our aim,” the Treasury Secretary reiterated, “is to sever every economic lifeline supporting this tyrannical regime, until Tehran is completely isolated.”

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More specifically, Bessent listed five key sectors that will be targeted by secondary sanctions: digital assets, gold, technology, aviation and maritime transport. “We will cut off access to the dollar system for those who launder Iranian money,” he warned

After six months of military attacks, the United States (and Israel) have failed to bring the Iranian regime to its knees. Nor have the economic sanctions yielded any decisive results so far: as is often the case, they have left the population starving and have led to an escalation in the violence perpetrated by Iranian leaders, both externally and in their internal repression.

“We will use all our resources to counter the economic sanctions,” the Iranian government stated after the Pasdaran had said in recent days that they were “ready for large-scale military responses”.

“Iran is completely collapsing!!!”, declared Donald Trump, who intends to step up the pressure on and isolation of Iran “as never before in history”, including by personally contacting world leaders to ask them to sever ties with Iran. “The President,” said Bessent, “is phoning world leaders with specific requests that they cease their dealings with the regime. We are already seeing the results.” Bessent did not, however, answer the fundamental question: how will Trump convince China and other countries to accept his conditions? “Nations that facilitate any interaction with the regime,” Bessent added, “would do well to take our message on board quickly. Those who side with the United States will reap the benefits of our partnership. Those who, on the other hand, tie their fate to the Iranian regime must expect to share in its isolation as Iran weakens.”

The blockade of Iranian ports – imposed by US forces in response to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz – has already reduced oil flows to China. “We want to make it clear that no one is beyond the reach of US sanctions,” said Bessent, but further tightening – particularly of restrictions on Chinese banks – risks triggering a confrontation with Beijing.

According to experts, Washington fears retaliation from China over critical minerals, whilst tensions are mounting ahead of the talks between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, scheduled for next month in Washington. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has stated that ‘sanctions and pressure tactics are counterproductive and that Beijing will take the necessary measures to safeguard its interests’.

Bessent announced that the United States has mapped out the networks, intermediaries and financial channels used by Iran for oil trafficking and to circumvent sanctions. He also referred to the creation of task forces bringing together the Treasury and the military. Bessent also hinted that there would be ‘a major announcement’ within the week concerning sanctions against a financial institution.

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