US launches 'largest ever financial operation' against Iran - Bessent

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the start of a large-scale financial operation against Iran, which he called the largest financial offensive ever directed against a single adversary. Washington's goal is to cut off all economic channels that allow Tehran to earn revenues and conduct international transactions.

According to Bessent, 'economic D-Day' begins at dawn. The statement marks a transition to a new phase of the campaign that the Donald Trump administration announced last week.

The head of the US Treasury previously spoke of preparing 'the toughest sanctions in history' and promised to present details of the new measures on Monday, August 24. Now he has already announced the start of the operation and outlined the areas where pressure will be directed.

The United States intends to block the sale and transportation of Iranian oil, financial transactions through banks and exchange offices, the use of free economic zones, air traffic, ship registration, and maritime fuel transportation schemes.

Bessent warned that not only Iranian entities could be affected, but also foreign states, companies, and financial institutions that help Tehran maintain access to the global economy.

"Any remaining connection with Tehran will accelerate the economic isolation of countries and organizations - regardless of whether it is deliberate or deliberately ignored," the minister said.

According to him, the ultimate US goal is to "cut every economic artery" that supports the Iranian regime and achieve the complete financial isolation of Tehran.

Washington also hopes that maximum economic pressure will help avoid a new large-scale phase of hostilities. At the same time, Bessent warned: if Iran retaliates by attacking American forces or neighboring Persian Gulf states, the US will give a "swift and decisive" military response.

Iran is already preparing to counter the new American restrictions. Earlier, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf called for expanding trade with neighboring countries in national currencies and reducing dependence on the dollar.

Based on materials from: Scott Bessent, Financial Times