Washington: The United States on Thursday called upon its allies and China to participate in a concerted effort to isolate Iran's economy. This move is in alignment with President Donald Trump's strategy to escalate pressure on Tehran amid ongoing war-related stalemates and increasing domestic criticisms.
According to France24.com, the US issued a stark warning to its allies and China, urging them to support President Trump's initiative to economically isolate Iran. The administration in Washington has declared its aim to "collapse this regime" in Tehran, a declaration Iran has condemned as "economic terrorism," asserting that such threats would ultimately fail.
Facing growing domestic dissatisfaction over the prolonged impact of the war and with crucial midterm elections on the horizon, President Trump had earlier vowed to unleash the "most crushing" economic campaign against Iran. Reflecting the President's stance, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reinforced the call for heightened economic pressure on Tehran, as the war that has become unpopular drags into its sixth month.
Bessent articulated that any continued economic ties to Tehran would lead nations towards "economic oblivion," whether such ties are intentional or overlooked. While neither Trump nor Bessent have disclosed specific measures planned against Iran, Bessent mentioned an upcoming press conference where further details would be shared.
Vice President JD Vance, speaking on a conservative podcast, emphasized the strategic shift to economic pressure as the most potent tool against Iran, noting the complexities involved as Iran attempts to reciprocate with economic pressures of its own. In response to inquiries about pressuring China, Bessent expressed a preference for private dialogues but urged Beijing to align with the US strategy.
The rhetoric of regime change has resurfaced in US discourse, with Bessent's comments marking a shift back to this narrative after President Trump's previous insistence on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weaponry. However, Bessent suggested that economic measures could reduce the likelihood of renewed large-scale military actions against Iran, though he cautioned that this was a temporary stance.
Iran has strongly opposed the US's plans, with its foreign ministry labeling the sanctions as violations of fundamental human rights and acts of "economic terrorism" and "crimes against humanity." Despite international sanctions and a naval blockade in the Gulf enforced by the US, Iran continues to export oil, primarily to China, using a "shadow fleet" of tankers under international sanctions.
Simultaneously, Washington announced new measures targeting Hezbollah's financial network in Lebanon, emphasizing its connections to Iran's Revolutionary Guards. President Trump also acknowledged the suspension of talks with Iran as the US-Israel initiated war remains at a stalemate, with Tehran maintaining partial control over the Strait of Hormuz.
In a proclamation on his Truth Social platform, President Trump announced the launch of "the MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER TAKEN AGAINST ANY COUNTRY," characterizing it as unprecedented "Economic Warfare and Isolation." Despite these economic moves, the US is also enhancing its military presence in the Middle East, evidenced by the arrival of a new aircraft carrier strike group. Meanwhile, the US approved a potential $4.5 billion sale of refueling aircraft to Qatar, a mediator in the US-Iran conflict.