US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has claimed that Washington is intensifying economic pressure on Iran through what he described as an “economic blockade,” aimed at weakening the country’s leadership and cutting off its financial resources. Speaking in a televised interview, he said the policy was launched under a directive from President Donald Trump as part of a broader “maximum pressure” strategy, combining financial measures with ongoing military-related actions.
Bessent said the goal of the campaign, which he linked to a Treasury initiative supporting military efforts, is to drain the Iranian government’s ability to function. He argued that sanctions and restrictions are preventing Iran from paying its military forces and described the approach as a coordinated effort involving multiple branches of the US government.
He also said Washington is targeting financial networks allegedly linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, claiming the US is tracking and freezing overseas assets to redirect them for the Iranian people in the future.
Tensions have also risen around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route, where both Iran and the United States have imposed restrictions on maritime traffic, further complicating energy flows from the Gulf region.
In parallel comments, US economic officials warned that Iran’s economy is under severe strain, citing inflation, shortages, and growing signs of public hardship, while describing the situation as nearing “economic collapse.”
