U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned countries maintaining economic ties with Iran that they could face American sanctions if they fail to distance themselves from Tehran.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Bessent suggested that the United Arab Emirates’ recent decision to suspend trade and financial transactions with Iran was not coincidental and could be part of a broader shift among countries dealing with Tehran.
“The measures they took last week were not accidental, but likely causal,” Bessent said, adding that he expects more countries to take similar steps as Washington continues its campaign to economically isolate Iran.
According to Bessent, President Donald Trump has also contacted several foreign leaders and made specific requests for cooperation in putting further economic pressure on Tehran. He did not disclose which leaders Trump had spoken with.
The UAE has traditionally been one of Iran’s most important trading partners. Last week, however, Emirati authorities announced the suspension of trade and financial transactions with Iran until further notice.
Other major economic partners of Iran could also come under pressure from Washington. China, India, Turkey and Iraq are among the countries facing potential U.S. sanctions, with China particularly exposed as Iran’s largest trading partner and a major buyer of Iranian oil.
The latest warnings signal an effort by the Trump administration to broaden economic pressure on Tehran beyond direct U.S. sanctions and force countries maintaining significant commercial ties with Iran to reconsider their relationships.
