US Launches Economic Pressure Campaign Against Iran's Global Partners

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has issued a warning to global partners of Iran, urging them to cut financial ties with the country or face 'Operation Economic Outcast', a new economic pressure campaign launched by the US. This campaign is designed to isolate Iran from the global economy and impose severe sanctions on any country that continues to do business with Tehran.

The US has been imposing sanctions on Iranian entities, including those involved in its nuclear and missile technology programs, as well as its ability to conduct cyber operations and generate oil revenue. Bessent has also warned that international branches of Iran's Bank Melli will be closed and that a major announcement of sanctions against a financial institution is expected by the end of the week.

Bessent emphasized that no country is above the reach of US sanctions, and that the administration is engaging in 'quiet diplomacy' with countries to encourage them to sever ties with Iran. He noted that some results have already been seen, but declined to name specific governments or provide timelines for action.