Bessent to Global Allies: Align with US Iran Sanctions or Face Consequences

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday warned Washington’s allies that countries would have to choose between supporting the US campaign to economically isolate Iran or facing pressure from Washington. Speaking to CNBC, Bessent described the new sanctions push against Tehran as potentially the “greatest coordinated economic isolation” in history and said the United States would make its position clear to countries around the world.

In his message to allies, Bessent said the US would approach governments with a direct choice over whether they would participate in the effort against Iran. “You are either with us or against us,” he said, as Washington seeks broader international cooperation for measures aimed at restricting Iran’s economy. The remarks signal an attempt by the US administration to increase pressure on countries that continue significant economic engagement with Tehran.

Bessent also argued that the sanctions campaign could put enough economic pressure on Iran to cause the government to collapse. He did not provide specific details about the measures or outline how quickly Washington expected the economic pressure to produce such an outcome. The comments came as the United States seeks to strengthen sanctions and encourage other countries to align their economic policies with Washington’s approach to Iran.

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China is expected to be a particularly important part of the US effort because of its significant energy relationship with the Gulf region. Asked whether Washington would pressure Beijing to participate, Bessent said the United States would hold a private conversation with China to encourage it to “get with the programme”. He argued that Beijing would benefit from efforts to restore stability in the region and reduce energy prices.

Bessent said the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz would be in the interests of countries that rely heavily on energy supplies from the Gulf. He claimed that China obtains about half of its energy from the Gulf region and argued that reopening the strategic waterway and bringing energy prices down would therefore serve Beijing’s interests. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy route, through which a substantial volume of oil and gas shipments passes between the Persian Gulf and international markets.

The US push could therefore have broader implications for global trade and energy markets if Washington succeeds in persuading major economies to participate in its Iran policy. Countries that maintain commercial ties with Iran could face difficult choices if US sanctions are expanded or enforcement becomes more aggressive. The potential economic consequences could extend beyond Iran, particularly if restrictions affect energy supplies, shipping routes or companies involved in trade with Tehran.

The issue is also expected to feature in future US-China discussions. Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit the White House on September 24, and Iran is expected to be among the subjects discussed during the meeting. The issue has previously featured in talks between the two countries, including when US President Donald Trump travelled to Beijing for a summit in May. Bessent’s remarks indicate that Iran, sanctions and Gulf energy security could remain important elements of the US administration’s broader diplomatic and economic strategy.

Also Read: Iran Signals Offensive in Hormuz if Diplomatic Efforts With Washington Fail, Officials Say