WANA (Aug 25) – U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said at a press conference on new sanctions against Iran that Washington had chosen not to impose the measures all at once because, as he put it, “Why should I disrupt the global financial system?” His remarks highlighted Washington’s awareness of the broader consequences that sanctions could have for the international financial system.

 

Bessent made the comments on Monday while outlining details of the new sanctions campaign against Iran, which he described as an “economic D-Day.” The term referred to the historic Normandy landings during World War II, an operation widely regarded as a decisive and surprise assault carried out without giving the opposing side time to prepare.

 

A reporter, referring to Bessent’s use of the term, asked why the sanctions were not being imposed immediately and all at once, and why Washington was giving Iran a period of time before fully implementing them. Bessent responded by pointing to the potential consequences of such a move, saying: “Why should I disrupt the global financial system?”

 

The remark indicates that the U.S. administration has taken into account the potential impact of a sudden economic shock on the international financial network and economies that remain connected to the U.S. financial system. The gradual implementation of the sanctions can therefore be viewed as part of Washington’s effort to maintain economic pressure on Iran while avoiding major disruptions to global financial flows.

 

According to details announced at the press conference, the new sanctions package, introduced under the name “Economic Isolation Operation,” targets several sectors, including cryptocurrencies, emerging technologies, gold, aviation and Iran’s shipping industry.

 

Bessent said the ultimate objective of the campaign was to cut off the economic lifelines supporting Iran and warned third countries that financial cooperation with Tehran could put their access to the U.S. financial system at risk.

 

In response, Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh described the new U.S. sanctions as “repetitive and ineffective,” saying that the Islamic Republic of Iran was fully prepared for different scenarios and that such threats would not weaken the country’s resolve.

 

Bessent’s comments about concerns over disrupting the global financial system came as the U.S. administration seeks to intensify economic pressure on Iran. His remarks suggest that while Washington is expanding its campaign against various sectors of the Iranian economy, it is also taking into consideration the potential spillover effects of sanctions on the international financial system.