International

Iran: Washington Claims to Intensify Economic Isolation of Tehran

Sunday 27 September 2026 - 08:33

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The United States is ramping up its economic pressure on Iran. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent asserts that Washington's campaign to reduce Tehran's financial and trade ties with the rest of the world is beginning to yield results.

In a message posted on social media on Saturday, the American official indicated that Treasury teams had been sent to several countries to secure measures targeting Iranian economic interests. According to him, the new restrictions imposed on banks and airlines are signs of the effectiveness of this strategy.

Iranian Banks Under Pressure

The banking sector is among the primary targets of this offensive. In the United Arab Emirates, authorities have taken measures against activities related to the Iranian public bank Melli, amid concerns regarding compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations.

This development comes after several U.S. initiatives aimed at limiting the financial channels that allow Iran to access international markets. The U.S. Treasury has notably increased sanctions against institutions and networks suspected of contributing to the circumvention of restrictions imposed on Tehran.

Air Transport Also Targeted

The pressure is also extending to the aviation sector. Washington is seeking to reduce the capacity of Iranian airlines to maintain international routes and access the necessary services for their operations.

According to statements from Scott Bessent reported on Sunday, Turkey and Oman have notably suspended flights from Mahan Air, while the United Arab Emirates has halted flights from Iranian airlines. Despite these restrictions, some Iranian carriers continue to serve several international destinations, including in China.

The U.S. Treasury had already expanded its sanctions targeting the Iranian aviation sector in September as part of its economic pressure campaign.

A Strategy That Mobilizes Several Countries

Washington is now looking to transform its national sanctions into broader pressure on Iran's trading partners. The U.S. administration claims to have engaged in discussions with numerous governments to limit Tehran's opportunities to maintain its financial and trade exchanges.

This strategy is part of an operation called “Operation Economic Outcast”, launched by the U.S. Treasury to target the economic networks that allow the Iranian regime to maintain access to international circuits. The Treasury Department has announced several series of measures targeting banks, companies, and financial networks associated with Iran since August.

Visible Limits Still Present

Despite the announced measures, the economic isolation sought by Washington faces limits. Some Iranian companies continue to operate internationally, while China maintains economic relations with Tehran.

The American campaign comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran. President Donald Trump has recently called for a complete economic isolation of Iran, while both countries remain engaged in indirect exchanges regarding the conditions for a potential resumption of talks.

Iranian authorities have, for their part, mentioned the possibility of reopening the Strait of Hormuz under certain conditions, particularly in the event of a reduction in American military pressure and the lifting of the blockade on Iranian ports.

Thus, the U.S. Treasury's campaign marks a new phase in the pressure strategy exerted against Tehran. Its long-term effectiveness will depend, in particular, on Washington's ability to persuade more foreign partners to reduce their economic relations with Iran.