U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Friday, according to a report, that the U.S. will take actions 'never seen before in history,' combining 'economic isolation at a level not seen in the world so far' with a 'naval blockade' on Iran. He urged staying tuned for announcements next week.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed Friday that the American pressure campaign against Iran will include a naval blockade alongside unprecedented economic isolation, urging attention to further announcements next week. Speaking early Friday, Bessent described the measures as 'never seen before in the history of economic isolation,' combining financial and maritime components against Tehran.
The Zioneer reported at 02:20 Jerusalem that Bessent had promised economic measures 'never before seen' under the framework of 'Operation Economic Fury.' Subsequent reports from the same early-morning hours added that the campaign would specifically combine 'economic isolation at a level not seen in the world so far' with a 'naval blockade.' By 02:20, Bessent had linked the strategy to the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, estimating that 14–15 million barrels of oil were still transiting the strait daily.
The statements mark a sharp escalation in the administration's financial and maritime containment of Iran, following months of pressure that included the reimposition of Iranian oil sanctions in July 2026. President Trump had previously characterized the naval blockade as a 'steel wall' in statements on June 10 and July 3.
Bessent did not specify a precise timeline for implementation beyond 'next week.' The exact operational scope of the blockade and the pace of new sanctions announcements remain unconfirmed.
10 developments
- DevelopingUS Treasury Secretary: Siege on Iran will not stop, vows to pursue Tehran's funds globally
- DevelopingUS Treasury Secretary Bessent warns Iran will lose the zero-sum game
- DevelopingBessent: Iran deal possible within 48 hours with 30-60 day ceasefire
- DevelopingUS Treasury Secretary: Iran deal could be signed by early next week
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