The United States on Thursday warned allies and China to join President Donald Trump’s campaign to isolate Iran’s economy and pressure Tehran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the plan aims to collapse the regime and relies on coordinated economic isolation rather than large-scale military action. He said further details will be announced on Monday. Iran dismissed the move as economic terrorism.
U.S. Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent speaks to reporters as he walks to the West Wing following an interview at the White House in Washington, DC, Thursday. EPA-Yonhap
WASHINGTON — The United States on Thursday warned allies and China alike to join President Donald Trump's new campaign to isolate the Iranian economy and "collapse" the government in Tehran.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's comments underscored how Trump is shifting to economic rather than military pressure on Tehran as his unpopular war drags towards the six-month mark.
Under pressure at home over the impact of the war and with crucial midterm elections looming, Trump had on Wednesday promised the "most crushing" economic operation ever against Iran.
