US urged Russia and other countries to stop supporting Iran
The United States has called on all countries, including Russia, to abandon any support for Iran amid the new escalation of the conflict. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington intends to achieve the complete economic isolation of Tehran and will negotiate with all states that continue to assist the Iranian authorities.
Bessent made the statement in an interview with Fox News. He was asked specifically about Russia's support for Iran, but the minister did not single out Moscow and addressed a warning to all countries that maintain ties with Tehran.
"My message to everyone is: stay away," — said the head of the US Treasury.
According to him, the fastest path to ending the conflict is for other states to stop providing support to the Iranian regime.
Bessent added that US administration officials are already engaged in detailed negotiations with countries that continue to support Iran. Washington intends to systematically cut off the economic and financial channels used by Tehran.
US expands economic pressure on Iran
According to Bessent, the next targets of American restrictions could be companies in the aviation and maritime industries, as well as operations with digital assets. In addition, the US is preparing new sanctions against the Iranian banking sector and is considering restrictions on companies involved in aircraft leasing.
These measures are part of Operation Economic Outcast, which the US Treasury launched on August 24. Its stated goal is to deprive Iran of its remaining international financial and economic ties. Washington has warned foreign governments and companies that cooperation with Tehran could lead to secondary sanctions.
The new US sanctions authorities apply in particular to digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping. The US Treasury said countries have been given deadlines to end certain types of cooperation with Iran, after which Washington is ready to apply restrictions unilaterally.
Statement follows Russia–Iran contacts
The question about Russia came amid Moscow's ongoing political and economic ties with Tehran. Russian authorities have repeatedly declared their support for Iran and their intention to maintain bilateral cooperation despite the conflict and US sanctions.
Thus, Bessent did not announce a separate new ultimatum specifically to Russia, but made it clear that the US warning also applies to Moscow: Washington demands that all states stop supporting Tehran if they want to contribute to a speedy resolution of the conflict.
Based on materials from: Fox News, US Department of the Treasury
