U.S. LAUNCHES “ECONOMIC PARIAH” OPERATION TO TARGET IRAN
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has announced the launch of “Operation Economic Pariah,” a sweeping campaign aimed at cutting off Iran’s remaining economic lifelines and intensifying pressure on Tehran.
Bessent warned that “no one, including China, is beyond the reach of U.S. sanctions,” signaling that Washington is prepared to target countries and entities that continue conducting business with Iran
> “Any economic engagement of any kind with Iran will expose those involved to the full weight of American power,” Bessent said.
According to the Treasury secretary, countries and companies will have a limited period to terminate activities identified by the U.S. government, including measures targeting Iranian banks and their overseas branches.
Bessent also said President Donald Trump is personally contacting world leaders with specific demands that they end or significantly reduce their economic interactions with Iran.
The campaign represents a major escalation in Washington’s “maximum pressure” strategy, with China potentially emerging as a key point of confrontation because of its extensive economic ties with Tehran.