US Treasury Secretary declares 'endgame' with Iran, vows to sever economic lifelines

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has declared that the United States is entering the "endgame" in its economic campaign against Iran, initiating what he described as the "single greatest financial offensive ever marshalled against an adversary." In an opinion piece published Sunday, Bessent outlined the objective to "sever every economic lifeline that sustains the tyrannical regime until Tehran stands alone."

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At dawn begins an economic D-Day [against Iran], the single greatest financial offensive ever marshalled against an adversary.

Bessent asserted that the U.S. military has significantly degraded Iran's military capabilities and weakened its nuclear program, paving the way for this intensified economic pressure. He credited President Trump's policies with decimating Iran's economy, leading to record-weakness in the rial and high inflation. Bessent criticized nations that accommodate Iranian "aggression," suggesting their "self-deception" about securing peace through accommodation is a "final refuge."

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Our objective is to sever every economic lifeline that sustains the tyrannical regime until Tehran stands alone.

The Treasury Secretary urged countries to sever remaining financial and commercial ties with Iran, promising that those who do will "reinvigorate their own" economies, deepen access to global capital, and enhance their standing in the world economy. Conversely, he warned that any nation continuing to serve as a "financial artery of a withering regime" should anticipate sharing in its isolation. Bessent also cautioned that defying Tehran carries risks, stating, "Any remaining tie to Tehran will hasten the economic ostracism of countries and entities, whether that tie be purposefully constructed or wilfully ignored."

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We are entering endgame.

These remarks follow previous statements by Bessent and President Trump, who vowed to "squash" the Iranian regime's economy. Bessent emphasized a "you are either with us or against us" stance, warning that allies continuing business with Iran, including financial transfers or oil purchases, would face the full force of U.S. Treasury enforcement.

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President Trump has decimated Iran's economy to a point where the rial has never been weaker and inflation has rarely been higher. The regime’s final refuge now lies in the self-deception of fearful nations that still believe accommodating aggression can secure a durable peace.