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Iran's oil industry could shut down within a week due to lack of funds, says US Treasury Secretary

From Liberty Times · (19m ago) Chinese Critical tone

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that economic and financial pressure is "strangling" Iran, potentially forcing its oil industry to shut down within a week.
  • Bessent indicated Iran is unable to pay its military salaries, a sign of severe economic blockade, and that its oil storage capacity is rapidly filling.
  • The U.S. is increasing pressure through various means, including maritime blockade, to cut off Iran's oil exports and primary revenue source, with concerns about the maintenance of its oil infrastructure due to decades of sanctions.

The United States is tightening the economic noose around Iran, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declaring that the Islamic Republic is on the brink of collapse. Bessent's remarks, made on Fox News, paint a grim picture of Iran's financial state, suggesting the nation is struggling to even pay its military personnel โ€“ a critical indicator of a failing state.

According to Bessent, the pressure campaign, which includes a maritime blockade, is designed to crixtically impact Iran's primary source of revenue: oil exports. With Iran's oil storage capacity reportedly nearing its limit, the U.S. Treasury official predicts that the country's oil industry could be forced to cease operations within the next week. This dire situation is exacerbated by decades of sanctions that have left Iran's oil infrastructure in a state of disrepair, making it increasingly vulnerable to external pressures.

This aggressive economic strategy, pursued under the Trump administration, aims to isolate Iran and cripple its ability to fund its activities, including support for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Bessent's comments suggest a coordinated effort to exploit Iran's economic weaknesses, with the ultimate goal of forcing concessions. The international community, particularly those reliant on the Strait of Hormuz for trade, will be closely monitoring the unfolding situation and its potential impact on global energy markets.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.