Washington, August 24, 2026
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Monday the launch of “Operation Economic Outcast,” an unprecedented economic campaign against Iran, describing it as “the most severe financial attack ever waged against an adversary.”
The announcement came during a press conference in Washington, one day after Bessent posted on X warning that
“D-Day will dawn”
on an economic front—a reference to the Normandy landings of June 6, 1944, which marked a decisive turning point in World War II.
According to Bessent, the move is part of the U.S. administration’s strategy to shift from
“managing the Iranian threat”
“ending it.”
Key points from the press conference:
🔻 Objectives: Cut off every economic lifeline supporting the Iranian government through a “zero-leakage” approach. Targeted sectors include digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping.
Two choices for Iran: Either accept complete global isolation or return to a normal path and reintegrate into the global economy.
Warning to facilitators: Bessent warned any entity or country facilitating money laundering or financial transactions on behalf of Iran that it could be excluded from the dollar-based financial system, stressing that
“no one is beyond the reach of U.S. sanctions.”
Diplomatic pressure: Bessent revealed that President Trump is contacting world leaders to demand that they end their dealings with Tehran. Countries have been given a specific deadline to halt the designated activities, with unilateral action threatened against those that fail to comply.
New sanctions: The measures target more than 60 entities, individuals, and vessels, alongside an explicit call to shut down all branches of Bank Melli.
Bessent concluded by stating:
“Those who stand with America will reap the benefits of our partnership, while those who tie themselves to the Iranian regime should expect to share in the isolation of a regime that is fading away.”