Washington: The United States is preparing to intensify economic pressure on Iran, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent describing the next phase of Washington’s campaign against Tehran as an unprecedented financial offensive.
In a post on X on August 24, Bessent said the Trump administration had significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities and nuclear programme and declared that the confrontation was now entering what he called the “endgame.”
Bessent said the US was preparing to deploy a broad range of economic measures aimed at cutting off the financial channels that support the Iranian government. He described the forthcoming action as an “economic D-Day” and said Washington intended to use every available authority to increase pressure on Tehran.
US Plans Tougher Sanctions on Iran
The Treasury secretary is expected to outline the new measures in greater detail, with reports indicating that the administration is preparing sweeping sanctions targeting Iran and potentially entities and countries that continue doing business with Tehran.
The latest escalation follows months of US efforts to restrict Iran’s oil revenues, financial networks and access to international markets. The US Treasury has already targeted Iranian oil networks, shipping operators and entities accused of helping Tehran evade sanctions.
Bessent’s latest remarks suggest Washington intends to move beyond individual sanctions and pursue a wider strategy designed to isolate Iran’s economy.
Tehran Rejects Washington’s Threat
Iran has pushed back strongly against the expected measures. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi dismissed the new sanctions threat as a sign of US desperation and argued that previous American pressure had failed to force Tehran into submission.
Iranian officials have also warned that countries supporting the new US economic campaign could face consequences. The confrontation comes as tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz continue to affect regional security and global energy markets.
Strait of Hormuz Adds to Global Concerns
The dispute has significant implications beyond the US and Iran. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes, and restrictions on shipping through the waterway have already raised concerns about oil supplies and prices.
Iran has threatened further action against oil shipments if countries cooperate with Washington’s sanctions campaign, increasing fears that the economic confrontation could spill over into the global energy market.
What Comes Next?
The immediate focus is now on the details of the US measures and how far Washington is prepared to go in enforcing them. Bessent has indicated that the administration wants to sever the economic lifelines that it believes are sustaining the Iranian government.
At the same time, Tehran has shown little indication that it intends to accept the pressure without resistance. The opposing positions raise the prospect of another sharp escalation in the already tense relationship between Washington and Tehran.
The coming days are therefore likely to be closely watched by governments, financial markets and energy traders as the United States moves toward a new phase of its economic campaign against Iran.
The claims regarding the extent of damage to Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities are statements made by US officials and have not been independently established in this report.
