US Launches Operation Economic Outcast Against Iran
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced expanded secondary sanctions targeting digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping, calling it an economic D-Day.
Washington1 min read
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The United States on Monday launched Operation Economic Outcast, a campaign of expanded sanctions aimed at isolating Iran from global finance.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the effort as an economic D-Day. He said the goal is to sever every economic lifeline that sustains the Iranian regime and force a choice between isolation and agreement with the Trump administration.
New sectoral sanctions target five areas Iran uses for revenue and evasion: digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping. The Treasury also sanctioned more than 60 entities, individuals and vessels linked to nuclear and missile technology procurement, cyber operations and oil sales.
Bessent warned that any economic engagement with Iran will expose those involved to the full reach of American power. Countries and companies that continue business with Tehran risk being cut off from the dollar system.
The announcement comes nearly six months into the U.S. and Israeli military campaign against Iran. Iran's rial has fallen to a record low of 2.02 million to the dollar on the open market. Iranian officials have called support for the sanctions an act of war and threatened measures against oil shipping routes.
Bessent said the measures expand secondary sanctions risk and accelerate enforcement. He declined to name specific third countries that would face immediate penalties.
