Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Bessent Warns Iran Partners Over Access to Dollar System
The United States uses the dollar in many international trades and payments.
This gives the US influence over banks and companies around the world.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned countries not to keep financial connections with Iran.
He said those that do could face sanctions or lose access to parts of the US financial system.
The pressure campaign is called “Operation Economic Outcast.”
The United States has not publicly named countries that might be punished or given them a deadline.
China was not specifically named, even though it is Iran’s biggest trading partner.
Bessent said the US is talking privately with every country, while China said it would protect its interests.
The dispute could make it harder for businesses to choose between working with Iran and keeping access to the US-linked financial system.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned countries to sever financial ties with Iran or face possible sanctions-related consequences.
The campaign, called “Operation Economic Outcast,” was described as a financial pressure effort, but no specific immediate measures were announced.
Bessent said the United States would not publicly identify countries or set deadlines, emphasizing quiet diplomacy instead.
China, Iran’s largest trading partner and a major destination for its oil exports, was not named, although Bessent said no country is beyond US sanctions.
China said it would take measures to protect its interests after Washington announced further sanctions targeting Iran-linked entities, including some in China.
- Who
- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the Trump administration, countries maintaining financial ties with Iran, and China.
- What
- The United States announced a campaign warning countries to cut financial ties with Iran or risk sanctions-related consequences and restricted access to the dollar system.
- When
- The warning was issued Monday, August 24; China responded Tuesday, August 25.
- Where
- The campaign targets financial transactions connected to Iran within the global financial system, including US-linked banks and dollar payments.
- Why
- Washington aims to increase the economic cost of doing business with Iran and pressure countries to sever financial ties with Tehran.
United States Position
China Position
Sanctions and financial ties
United States Position
The United States says no country is above the reach of its sanctions and is warning governments and businesses to cut financial ties with Iran.
China Position
China says it will take measures to protect its interests after Washington announced further sanctions on Iran-linked entities, including some in China.
Diplomatic approach
United States Position
Bessent said Washington is using quiet diplomacy and contacting countries privately rather than publicly naming them or setting deadlines.
China Position
China’s stated response indicates it intends to defend its interests rather than simply accept the effects of the expanded sanctions campaign.
- Campaign name
- “Operation Economic Outcast”
- Main warning
- Countries maintaining financial ties with Iran could face consequences under the US sanctions regime.
- Key financial leverage
- The United States can restrict sanctioned entities from using American banks or dealing in dollars.
- Secondary sanctions
- Foreign companies and financial institutions may face penalties for certain dealings with sanctioned countries.
- Public details
- The administration did not identify target countries or announce timelines for possible action.
- China’s role
- China is Iran’s largest trading partner and a major destination for Iranian oil exports.
- China’s response
- China said it would take measures to protect its interests after the new sanctions announcement.