US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has stated that the United States is set to impose the “toughest sanctions in history” on Iran. He claims that this move could reduce the need for launching a major new military operation.
In an interview with CNBC, Bessent said, “I am not sure why there is so much discussion about oil.” He added, “If we exert maximum economic pressure, it is likely that we won’t need to launch a large-scale military operation.”
Bessent announced that he would unveil details of the new sanctions package against Iran at a press conference on Monday and discuss exactly what measures would be taken.
He stated, “Iran is already under blockade; now we are going to impose the toughest sanctions in history.” He referred to the naval blockade the US had imposed on Iran in April—which was suspended for a month in mid-June.
Bessent further remarked, “This will work in Iran, and we will bring about the collapse of this regime. Now is the time for our allies and the rest of the world to make their decisions.”
When asked whether the US might also target China for doing business with Iran, Bessent replied that it is better to handle many such discussions privately rather than publicly.
