US Treasury Launches 'Economic D-Day' Sanctions Campaign Against Iran

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced 'Operation Economic Outcast,' a sweeping new sanctions campaign against Iran's global financial and trade links. He described it as an 'economic D-Day.' The administration aims to sever every economic lifeline sustaining the government, leaving Tehran isolated.

Bessent compared this effort to the World War II D-Day campaign. The Treasury Department issued sectoral sanctions determinations targeting five areas: digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping. This broadens the risk of secondary sanctions for entities that continue doing business with Iran.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned over 60 entities, individuals, and vessels that help Iran procure nuclear and missile technology or conduct cyber operations. Bessent warned countries and entities facilitating transactions helping turn Iranian oil into revenue would be targeted. He also mentioned 'quiet diplomacy' is being used to inform governments about the administration's expectations.