The United States has urged its allies and China to join President Donald Trump in his new effort to isolate Iran economically. The U.S. Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, emphasized that Washington aims to “collapse this regime” in Tehran.
Trump is shifting focus from military to economic pressure on Iran as the conflict approaches six months. Iran has labeled these U.S. actions as “economic terrorism,” claiming they will fail. Trump has promised the “most crushing” economic sanctions against Iran, amid criticism at home over the war’s impact and with midterm elections approaching.
Bessent told a broadcaster that the plan involves unprecedented global coordination. He warned that countries must choose sides, either supporting the U.S. or facing consequences. When asked about China, Bessent said private discussions were ongoing but urged Beijing to comply.
Iran’s Foreign Minister called the U.S. sanctions a distraction from America’s own financial crisis, including rising debt and interest costs. Tehran has continued oil exports, with China as its largest buyer, despite international sanctions. Iran uses a network of tankers to bypass restrictions.
Bessent claimed the economic plan reduces the need for large-scale military actions but stressed this could change. Iran sees these measures as an attack on its citizens’ basic rights and vows to resist.