U.S. says it will impose the "toughest sanctions in history" against Iran
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States will impose the "toughest sanctions in history" against Iran.
According to him, this will likely reduce the need for new large-scale military operations.
Bessent's comments followed a statement by U.S. President Donald Trump a day earlier, in which he threatened "economic war" and warned of serious economic consequences for any country that provides Iran with "any support that allows it to survive." Bessent promised to disclose details of the new measures next week.
On Thursday, oil prices rose to their highest level in more than three weeks after the U.S. threats to impose financial sanctions aimed at ending the war.
"I don't quite understand why oil prices went up precisely because of this," Bessent said in an interview with CNBC.
"If we apply maximum economic pressure, then it probably means there will be no large-scale resumption of hostilities," he added.
Before Bessent's remarks, Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it condemned the economic and trade sanctions imposed by the United States, calling them "economic terrorism." According to the Iranian foreign policy agency, these measures "will not cause the slightest wavering" in the determination of Iranians to defend Iran's independence, dignity, and national sovereignty.
Bessent told CNBC that on Monday, at a press conference, he will present additional details of the new sanctions package and "tell exactly what we are going to do" with regard to Iran.
"This is a one-two punch. We have a blockade [of Iran], and we will have the toughest sanctions in history," he said.
"This will work, and we will bring down this regime. It's time for our allies and the rest of the world to make a decision," Bessent added.
Asked whether the United States might take measures against China for doing business with Iran, Bessent replied that many such conversations are better held behind closed doors. "Keep in mind that China gets 50% of its energy... from the Persian Gulf countries. So it would be very beneficial for them to join the program," he said.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington said that "sanctions and pressure do not help solve the problem."
"China calls on the relevant parties to act responsibly and resolve the issue through political and diplomatic means," an embassy spokesperson said.
Source: RIA Novosti
