US threatens allies with economic pressure to isolate Iran
Scott Bessent, US Treasury secretary has urged allies to back Washington’s campaign to “squash” Iran’s economy, saying the US intends to force the collapse of the Iranian regime.
Bessent told CNBC that countries must choose whether to support Washington’s pressure campaign, after President Donald Trump warned that states providing any “lifeline” to Tehran would face “tremendous economic consequences”.
He said the planned economic measures could reduce the need for a large-scale resumption of military operations. The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran in February, triggering Iranian attacks on Israel, US forces and Gulf Arab states.
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