Eight months into the U.S.-Iran conflict, with no test of seasonal conditions yet endured, the moment has arrived.

With military means proving insufficient to compel Iran’s submission, Bessent has been entrusted with a strategy of economic pressure to constrain Tehran.

If successful, this would stand as a textbook case of using financial and economic encirclement to bring a middle-tier power into compliance.

In an interview with CNBC, Bessent stated that under the “Economic Outcast Operation,” the Iranian regime is losing its lifelines, while its proxies are feeling mounting strain.

Citing media reports, he noted Iran’s efforts to transfer funds, the Revolutionary Guard’s inability to pay military salaries, and America’s growing capacity to undermine Iran’s ability to finance Houthi forces, Hamas, and Hezbollah.

The impact of economic pressure will become evident in winter, he said, as Iran faces a natural gas shortfall approaching one-third of its required volume, with 40% of the deficit stemming from U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure. Strikes targeting South Pars, Asalouyeh, and Mahshahr have already taken 13 million cubic meters offline.

Bessent cautioned Iranians: “Secure your heating fuel reserves—the worst shortages lie ahead.”

However, a proxy oil minister reminded Bessent: “The audience for warnings about fuel reserves should be American voters.”

Vance told Iran’s national security council secretary Rezaei that he is prepared to meet him personally to discuss pathways to resolving the war through negotiation.

Based on Iran’s own historical experience, when the United States proposes talks, it often signals imminent military action.

White House developments: Trump’s scheduled rallies in Salina, Kansas, and Iowa this weekend have been canceled and replaced with online fundraising efforts.

The cancellation notice made no mention of Iran.

Middle East-based U.S. forces have entered a state of readiness to launch a new round of strikes within 96 hours, with plans likely to unfold after the midterm elections. If assessments conclude that electoral defeat is inevitable, both military strikes and strategic deception may emerge as viable options.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1880443740299264/

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