Bessent questions how Iranian UN delegates will return home

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday questioned how members of the Iranian delegation to the UN General Assembly in New York would return home as US sanctions disrupt the country’s international air links. Speaking about the US “Operation Economic Outcast”, Bessent said Washington was putting unprecedented pressure on Tehran, claiming that between 80% and 90% of Iran’s international flights had been halted. He also warned financial institutions, companies and other businesses supporting Iran that the United States would target their operations and bank accounts. “We know who you are, you know who you are, ” Bessent said, referring to financiers, suppliers and businesses dealing with Iran. He described the US strategy as a combination of military action, a naval blockade and financial pressure, saying Washington’s campaign could continue for weeks or months. According to Bessent, the United States was seeking one of three outcomes: divisions within Iran’s leadership, an uprising among the Iranian population, or an agreement under which Tehran would comply with its commitments. Bessent said Washington had tried to reach an agreement with Iran earlier this year but accused Tehran of subsequently escalating attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. He added that any future deal would be honoured by Iran. The United States launched Operation Economic Outcast in August as part of a broader campaign to isolate Iran economically and target entities helping Tehran circumvent US sanctions. The Treasury Department has since expanded the campaign to Iranian aviation networks, financial institutions and cryptocurrency-related infrastructure.

Read full story on Aaj English Tv