U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described an “absolute isolation campaign” against Iran that combines naval blockades, travel restrictions and efforts to close land routes with a plan to seize about $1 billion in cryptocurrency. He framed the Trump administration’s approach as a move beyond financial sanctions, aimed at cutting the ruling regime off from international markets, transportation and financial resources.
Key takeaways
- Bessent described an Iran campaign extending beyond financial sanctions.
- The administration is targeting roughly $1 billion in Iranian cryptocurrency.
- Bessent predicted a complete halt to Iran’s oil exports.
- Washington is working with regional partners on overland restrictions.
Yahoo News reported that Bessent detailed these measures on Thursday, when he spoke with Greta Van Susteren at Newsmax’s NPolicy Summit in Washington, D.C., addressing questions about the extent to which U.S. sanctions were tightening the squeeze on Iran’s economy.
