Bessent is doubling down with weekly bank sanctions

Live updates

1. 28d ago

   Bessent Warns Iran Economy Nears Collapse

   Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Iran's economy will have nothing left to trade within two weeks following its final oil deliveries. Bessent vowed an economic onslaught against Iran and its trading partners at the start of the week in a fresh bid to end the war. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson warned that Tehran would respond harshly to expanded American sanctions. Countries with ties to Tehran largely shrugged off the threat by the end of the week, while analysts evaluated the impact of the Treasury campaign.

   Why it matters

   The United States Treasury previously targeted Iran's aviation sector, financial institutions, and proxy networks like Hezbollah to sever external economic links and pressure Tehran into negotiations. The current measures represent an escalation of this ongoing financial containment campaign. Observers note that international reaction remains mixed as foreign trading partners continue their commercial ties with Iran despite the threats.

   What is confirmed

   • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Iran's economy will have nothing to trade in about two weeks after it makes its final oil deliveries.
   • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent vowed an economic onslaught against Iran and its trading partners in a fresh bid to end the war.
   • Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson warned that Tehran would respond harshly to expanded U.S. sanctions.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Countries with trading ties to Tehran have shrugged off the threat of U.S. sanctions by the end of the week.
   • Analysts were left evaluating the effectiveness of the Treasury Secretary's D-Day Iran sanctions strategy after initial global pushback.

   What to watch next

   • Whether Iran completes its final oil deliveries within the stated two-week timeframe.
   • Concrete actions or implementation details regarding weekly bank sanctions from the Treasury Department.
   • The specific nature of Tehran's promised harsh response to the expanded U.S. sanctions.
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. ofac.treasury.gov — OFAC Related Press Releases - Office of Foreign Assets Control
   2. spectrumlocalnews.com — Trump escalates economic pressure with new Iran offensive
   3. gardnermagazine.com — Top U.S. National News of the Week – Gardner News Magazine: Local News & Articles in Gardner MA
   4. nypost.com — Iran’s economy will have ‘nothing’ left ‘within two weeks ...
   5. www.gulf-times.com — tag - Gulf Times
   6. www.arcamax.com — World mostly shrugs off Bessent's 'D-Day' Iran sanctions ...
   confidence 90%
2. 32d ago

   Treasury Maintains Pressure on Iran

   The United States Treasury continues its campaign to isolate Iran's economy through targeted financial measures. Previous actions included sanctions against Iran's aviation sector and financial institutions designed to sever external economic links and pressure the country into negotiations. These measures also seek to disrupt financial support for Hezbollah and other proxy networks in the region. Treasury strategies involve regular enforcement actions against institutions linked to these networks as part of a broader diplomatic and economic containment effort.

   Why it matters

   Sanctions remain a primary tool for Washington to curb Tehran's regional influence and proxy operations. The ongoing financial pressure campaign targets key nodes of the Iranian economy to force a shift in state behavior. Monitoring these measures reveals the extent to which American policy relies on financial isolation to address foreign security threats.

   What is confirmed

   • The US Treasury has targeted Iran's aviation sector and financial institutions with sanctions.
   • Sanctions aim to sever Iran's external links and impact Hezbollah and Iranian proxy networks.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Weekly bank sanctions are currently doubling down under Scott Bessent.

   What to watch next

   • Additional announcements regarding specific financial institutions targeted by the Treasury.
   • Official statements on the frequency and scope of upcoming sanctions.
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. kimkj.com — [AI Library] Trump, the Diplomacy of Insult – Chapter 50: The South Korean Economy Caught in the Sandwi....
   2. nypost.com — scott bessent | Latest News | New York Post
   confidence 80%
3. 33d ago

   US to sanction large bank, intensify Iran economic isolation

   The US Treasury is set to sanction a major unnamed bank on Monday as part of its strategy to isolate Iran's economy. This move follows recent sanctions targeting Iran's aviation sector and financial institutions. The goal is to sever Iran's external links and pressure the country to negotiate. The sanctions also aim to impact Hezbollah and Iranian proxy networks.

   Why it matters

   The Trump administration's actions against Iran are part of a broader effort to limit the country's influence and economic capabilities. The sanctions come as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, and there are ongoing tensions between the US and Iran. The US is pushing for deeper economic isolation of Iran.

   What is confirmed

   • The US Treasury is set to sanction a large unnamed bank on Monday.
   • Recent measures have hit the remaining parts of the Iranian aviation industry.
   • The US sanctions aim to sever some of Iran's final external links.
   • The actions extend beyond Tehran to include Hezbollah and Iranian proxy networks.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Iran and the US are exploring a phased deal involving relief from the US blockade and the reopening of Hormuz.

   What to watch next

   • The impact of the sanctions on Iran's economy and the country's response
   • The sequencing of a potential phased deal between Iran and the US
   • The effect of the sanctions on Hezbollah and Iranian proxy networks
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. www.iranintl.com — Iran, US explore phased Hormuz-for-blockade deal in New York - Reuters
   2. newrepublic.com — A “Bloodbath” Will Only Make Donald Trump More Corrupt and Lawless | The New Republic
   3. www.thehindubusinessline.com — Stock Market Today Highlights, Sept 24: Dalal Street hit by crude fire, US yield surge, Nifty closes 1.64....
   4. finance.yahoo.com — Bessent just told the world's airports to stop serving Iran
   5. www.khaleejtimes.com — Saudi coalition says intercepted six ballistic missiles fired by Houthis | Khaleej Times
   6. www.zerohedge.com — Futures Flat As Oil, Yields Drop Ahead Of Trump UN Address | ZeroHedge
   7. www.mitrade.com — Trump, Xi Meet on S&P 500's Best Day Since Early August: Will Markets Stay Bullish?
   8. www.iranintl.com — 'Bully at home, victim abroad': Iranians on Pezeshkian's UN speech | Iran International
   9. stocktwits.com — NKE Stock In Focus After Stifel Lowers Price Target To $40 – A Look At Some Key Highlights
   confidence 80%
4. 45d ago

   Bessent Targets Iranian Aviation Sector and Large Banks with Sanctions

   The Trump administration is intensifying its strategy to isolate Tehran through a series of sanctions targeting Iran's aviation sector and financial institutions. Treasury official Bessent announced that a large, unnamed bank will be sanctioned on Monday. Recent measures have hit the remaining parts of the Iranian aviation industry, aiming to sever some of the country's final external links. These actions extend beyond Tehran to include Hezbollah and Iranian proxy networks as the U.S. pushes for deeper economic isolation.

   Why it matters

   The U.S. is utilizing targeted sanctions to limit the Iranian regime's ability to fund proxy networks and maintain international transport links. This strategy focuses on critical infrastructure and high-value financial entities to increase pressure on Tehran.

   What is confirmed

   • The U.S. has sanctioned the remaining parts of Iran's aviation sector.
   • Bessent stated that a large bank will be sanctioned on Monday as part of the Iran strategy.
   • New U.S. sanctions target Hezbollah and Iranian proxy networks.

   Still unconfirmed

   • An Iranian airline favored by the regime is defying sanctions.
   • Bessent is implementing weekly bank sanctions.

   What to watch next

   • Evidence of Iranian aviation sector compliance or continued defiance of new restrictions.
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. AP News — US hits remaining parts of Iran's aviation sector with sanctions in latest move to isolate Tehran
   2. WSJ — The Morning Risk Report: Iranian Airline Favored by the Regime Is Defying Sanctions
   3. CNBC — Bessent says 'a large bank' will be sanctioned on Monday as part of Iran strategy
   4. Time Magazine — How the U.S. Treasury's New Aviation Sanctions on Iran Extend Beyond Tehran
   5. Reuters — Trump administration to sanction unnamed 'large' bank on Monday, Bessent says
   6. Bloomberg.com — US Airline Sanctions Sever Some of Iran’s Last Outside Links
   7. i24NEWS — US Imposes New Sanctions On Hezbollah And Irania Proxy Networks | LIVE BLOG
   8. thestreet.com — Bessent is doubling down with weekly bank sanctions
   confidence 90%