Why it matters:
Bessent’s remarks amount to one of the clearest public acknowledgments by a senior U.S. official that sanctions are intended not only to pressure Iran’s government but also to destabilize its internal economic environment.
The big picture:
The episode underscores the broader geopolitical struggle in which economic tools have become central instruments of state power. Across multiple regions, major powers increasingly rely on:
- Financial pressure rather than military confrontation.
- Sanctions and export controls to shape political outcomes.
- Information campaigns that influence domestic dynamics in rival states.
What he's saying:
Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, Bessent said US sanctions had played a direct role in Iran’s recent economic turbulence and the unrest that followed.
“We saw a major bank go under. The central bank has started to print money. There is a dollar shortage. They are not able to get imports, and this is why the people took to the streets.”
“This is economic statecraft. No shots fired. Things are moving in a very positive way here.”
Context:
Protests over economic hardship in Iran recently turned violent after public remarks by U.S. and Israeli officials encouraged confrontational actions.
Intelligence assessments cited that the U.S.-Israeli‑backed terrorist groups attempted to hijack the demonstrations to spark broader instability.
Go deeper:
Araghchi: It’s Time for U.S. to Change Approach
Hossein Amiri - A.Akbari
