(Bloomberg) – Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told officials from some of the world’s largest banks that their help is an important part of the Trump administration’s efforts to increase pressure on Iran.
“Our strategy is clear: We will put economic pressure to the greatest extent to undermine the opportunity for the Iranian regime to obtain financial resources that fuel its unstable activities,” Besent said. “This includes the billions of dollars Iran generates annually through oil sales.”
President Donald Trump said he wanted to squeeze Iran as part of a new deal to limit its nuclear program. The previous deal Trump withdraws in 2018 is the product of sanctions campaigns by the U.S. and its allies that have caused several large banks to pay huge fines for failing to comply.
Iranian Foreign Secretary Abbas Araghchi said Wednesday that his country is ready for “real negotiations on the Trump administration’s nuclear program, from an equal standpoint and indirect way”, according to the ministry’s telegraph channel.
Aragic said negotiations require a “constructive atmosphere” and “avoid threats, intimidation and blackmail.”
Trump said last month that the situation with Iran “due to the final stroke” and suggested a deadline for a deal or military action would be taken.
“We have a situation with Iran and something is about to happen,” he said.
– Assistance with Saleha Mohsin.
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