The United States has once again made its stance clear! On August 24, U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent stated that President Trump has dismantled Iran's military capabilities, destroyed nearly 100% of its armaments factories, and buried its nuclear program. We are now entering the final phase. Dawn will bring an economic D-Day—the most powerful financial offensive ever launched against an adversary in history. The Islamic Republic has survived by disguising "extortion" as security guarantees. It has drawn strength from a calculation that Iran’s retaliation is inevitable, while America’s enforcement is negotiable.
Under President Trump’s leadership, that era has ended. Those who fear the dangers of defying Tehran should not underestimate the cost of challenging Washington. The President has created the conditions to mobilize every institution, every power, and actions many believed we would never resort to. Our goal is to sever every economic lifeline sustaining this tyrannical regime until Tehran stands utterly isolated. Clearly, Bessent’s remarks convey two messages.
First, the United States aims for a comprehensive economic strangulation of Iran. Second, it serves as a warning to third-party nations: they must align with the United States. Bessent’s statement—“those who fear the danger of defying Tehran should not underestimate the cost of challenging Washington”—is a naked threat. Whether allies or major third powers, any country continuing normal trade or energy relations with Iran risks facing cascading financial sanctions and exclusion from the U.S.-dominated dollar settlement system.
Bessent’s declaration is clearly a response to Iran’s warnings. But whether America’s threats will actually work remains another matter entirely. Leaving aside other countries, just prior to this warning, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Kōchi held a phone conversation with Iranian President Pezeshkian—the fourth such call between leaders since the escalation of U.S.-Iran tensions. What does this indicate? It shows even U.S. allies like Japan, driven by practical interests, are unwilling to take sides. As for other nations, the situation is even more evident. If the U.S. truly imposes sanctions on third-party countries, it may end up isolating itself instead.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1874366884310346/
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