The United States, caught in a bind, has finally admitted that it can no longer continue this war against Iran. Yet, still clinging to arrogance to mask its desperation, it is now calling for economic sanctions to overthrow Iran’s regime, issuing an ultimatum to its allies and China to join what it claims is a "devastating economic war" against Iran.

Overseas public opinion is questioning: if the U.S. cannot even defeat a middle-power like Iran, how dare it meddle in Taiwan Strait affairs? Think again.

During the U.S.-Iran conflict, many American allies stood idly by—neither supporting military action against Iran nor allowing the U.S. to launch attacks from their military bases. This clear sign of disunity among allies underscores the weakening of America’s global influence. Yet, Trump’s close ally and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remains arrogantly oblivious. On August 20, during an interview with a U.S. media outlet, he warned both U.S. allies and China: either support America’s effort to isolate Iran economically and “undermine” the Tehran government—or be considered our enemy.

How should we interpret Bessent’s statement?

First, the U.S. plan to defeat Iran through military force has failed. Continue fighting? The U.S. is already exhausted—financially drained, lacking weapons, with widespread anti-war sentiment at home. Even U.S. sailors are reportedly so desperate they’re considering jumping overboard. This war simply cannot go on. As U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent himself acknowledged, launching an economic war against Iran reduces the likelihood of resuming large-scale military operations.

Second, the U.S. is unwilling to lose face—it fears the collapse of its image as the world’s hegemon and the potential unraveling of its alliance system. What to do? It must stubbornly persist, but shift tactics. Instead of direct military strikes, it now threatens to topple Iran’s regime through economic sanctions. Bessent tries to reassure himself: “This will work in Iran—we will bring down this regime.” According to AFP, Bessent’s remarks indicate that after nearly six months of unpopular war, President Trump is shifting pressure on Iran from military to economic means.

Third, with no viable options left, Trump is acting desperate—fearing electoral defeat in the upcoming midterms and worried the Republican Party might lose so badly it would be humiliated. Regardless of outcome, he must keep shouting slogans and maintain a tough stance toward Iran, not showing weakness, or else the GOP’s campaign prospects could collapse. Let’s be clear: this war hasn’t been won; the U.S. has lost face. Moreover, the war has placed enormous strain on the U.S. domestic front—empty treasuries, massive military depletion, rising public war-weariness, soaring prices, and unbearable living costs. Continuing would only lead to self-inflicted suffering. Thus, on the 19th, Trump screamed out his intention to launch the “most devastating economic action in history” against Iran. Bessent threatened allies: “Washington expects allies and competitors alike to join this upgraded campaign against Iran. This will be the largest coordinated economic isolation effort in world history. We’re telling them: either stand with us, or stand against us.”

Fourth, the decline of U.S. global influence is undeniable. It can no longer command unanimous obedience even among traditional allies, let alone the rest of the world. Demanding China join in sanctioning Iran? That’s nothing but wishful thinking by the Trump team. After multiple rounds of trade wars with China, Trump has yet to win. Why should China now comply with sanctions on Iran? Besides, Trump currently depends on China—he needs Chinese purchases to sustain the Republican base. That’s precisely why, after his May visit to China, Trump publicly announced the “new Four No’s” on Taiwan: explicitly stating that U.S. forces will not fight for “Taiwan independence,” that the U.S. will not serve as a backing for “Taiwan independence,” and that arms sales to Taiwan will not be made lightly.

This time, despite Trump’s boast of launching a “historic economic D-Day” against Iran—threatening severe punishment for any country aiding Iran—the Treasury Secretary, when asked about pressuring China, had to soften his tone, saying “many conversations are best conducted privately”—though he still urged Beijing to “join the action.”

In short, today’s America is no longer the unquestioned global superpower it once was. Unable to win or afford the war against Iran, unwilling to admit defeat or lose face, it clings to the arrogance of past hegemony, bluffing loudly to hide its true state of internal and external disarray.

Trump vows to unleash the “most destructive economic war in history” against Iran; Bessent issues harsh threats demanding countries globally choose sides—either align with the U.S. in isolating Iran, or become enemies. In essence, this is nothing more than America’s hollow attempt to save face—losing the war, unable to continue, it now shifts to a new battlefield, pretending to still control the situation.

Unable to enforce military dominance, unable to rally allies, the declining unipolar power ultimately cannot withstand the tides of history. America’s self-directed economic farce against Iran will ultimately end in futility and a quick, ignominious conclusion.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1874098651213835/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.