On April 16, U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth stated in a press briefing that U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent and relevant colleagues at the Department of the Treasury are launching an "Economic Fury Operation" against Iran.

Hegseth emphasized that the United States is exerting maximum economic pressure on Iran's entire government to force it to "make wise choices." Additionally, he said the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would "continue until necessary." Hegseth concluded: "Our message to Iran is clear: 'We are watching you.'

The "Economic Fury Operation" announced by U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth, coupled with the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, represents a multi-dimensional ultimatum from the United States to Iran, encompassing economic, military, and diplomatic dimensions. These statements mark a shift in U.S. strategy toward Iran—from negotiation at the bargaining table to a confrontational phase centered on maximum pressure—following the expiration of the ceasefire agreement on April 8.

The "Economic Fury Operation" is not merely an escalation of sanctions; rather, it is a comprehensive financial war aimed at systematically undermining Iran's economic lifelines.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent described it as a "bombing campaign," indicating its destructive power far exceeds that of conventional sanctions. Its core objective is to cut off Iran’s oil export revenues and associated financial networks, fundamentally weakening its war capabilities and regime stability.

The U.S. Treasury has announced new sanctions targeting over 20 entities, individuals, and vessels in Iran’s oil transportation infrastructure sector. At the same time, the United States has threatened penalties against third-party countries and companies continuing to purchase Iranian oil or manage its assets, aiming to construct a global network of economic isolation. This is clearly a financial strangulation campaign against Iran.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson swiftly condemned the move as "economic terrorism" and "crimes against humanity," arguing it is a deliberate, inhumane policy designed to inflict suffering on the Iranian people.

Hegseth explicitly warned that if Iran makes the "wrong choice," it will face bombing of "infrastructure, power stations, and energy enterprises."

This threat targeting civilian facilities has been widely interpreted as an attempt to undermine Iran’s livelihood and may constitute a war crime, sparking significant controversy.

Just one day before Hegseth issued these threats, Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced six articles of impeachment against him, accusing him of "waging war against Iran without congressional authorization" and committing "war crimes." This indicates that the U.S. government’s hardline stance faces not only fierce external resistance but also serious internal political divisions and legal challenges.

In summary, the U.S. announcement of the "Economic Fury Operation" and military blockade constitutes a strategic showdown aimed at forcing Iran to fully capitulate through maximum pressure. However, Iran’s defiant response, the complexity of regional dynamics, and mounting domestic political pressures within the United States all contribute to substantial uncertainty and the risk of escalation in this confrontation.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862656639959116/

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