Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Trump’s Iran Endgame Shifts From Bombs Toward Economic Pressure
The United States says it is changing how it pressures Iran.
Instead of focusing only on bombs, Washington is emphasizing economic actions.
Bessent said the United States would use its full power against countries that continue doing business with Iran.
He said other countries must choose whether to support the U.S. position.
He specifically mentioned U.S. allies and the rest of the world.
Bessent said the goal is to weaken Iran’s economy.
He described Iran’s government as a “murderous regime.”
These comments were made to CNBC on Thursday.
Washington is moving from military strikes toward economic pressure against Iran.
Bessent said the United States would use its “full might” against countries doing business with Iran.
He said countries must choose whether they are “with us or against us.”
Bessent called on U.S. allies and other countries to make a decision.
He said the pressure aims to “squash the economy” of Iran’s regime.
- Who
- The United States, Bessent, Iran, U.S. allies, and countries doing business with Iran.
- What
- Washington is shifting emphasis from bombing toward broad economic pressure on Iran and its business partners.
- When
- Bessent made the comments on Thursday.
- Where
- Bessent spoke to CNBC.
- Why
- The stated aim is to pressure countries to stop doing business with Iran and weaken its economy.
- Policy shift
- The United States is described as moving from bombs toward economic pressure.
- U.S. position
- Washington says it will use its “full might” against countries continuing business with Iran.
- Message to other countries
- Bessent said countries are being asked to choose whether they are “with us or against us.”
- Countries addressed
- The comments referred to U.S. allies and the rest of the world.
- Stated objective
- Bessent said the goal is to “squash the economy” of Iran’s regime.
- Source and timing
- Bessent made the remarks to CNBC on Thursday.