The United States is preparing to intensify economic pressure on Iran, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calling on Washington’s allies and international partners to support efforts aimed at weakening Iran’s economy and putting further pressure on its government.
Speaking to CNBC, Bessent said the United States intends to pursue a broad economic campaign against Tehran and urged other countries to decide whether they would cooperate with Washington’s measures.
“We will bring this regime down,” Bessent said.
His remarks followed President Donald Trump’s warning that countries providing “any kind of assistance” to Iran could face significant economic consequences.
Bessent did not provide details of the measures currently being prepared but said the campaign would focus on economic pressure and international coordination. According to him, stronger sanctions could reduce the need for another large-scale military escalation.
The announcement comes amid continuing tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States. Washington and Israel have accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons capabilities, while Tehran has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons.
Iran has responded to military actions with attacks targeting Israel, U.S. military positions in the Middle East and other regional targets.
The conflict has also affected international energy markets. Iran’s restrictions on traffic through the Strait of Hormuz have created concerns over one of the world’s most important energy routes, through which around 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies normally pass.
Although ceasefire agreements have been reached between the United States and Iran, tensions remain high and diplomatic efforts have yet to produce a lasting settlement.
Bessent described the planned measures as part of what could become the “largest coordinated economic isolation in the history of the world.”
He warned that companies and countries continuing to conduct business with Iran—including financial transactions and purchases of Iranian oil—could face enforcement measures from the U.S. Treasury.
Further details of the administration’s strategy are expected to be presented at a press conference on August 24.
The announcement signals a renewed focus on economic and diplomatic pressure as Washington seeks to influence Tehran’s policies while limiting the possibility of another major military escalation.
