Washington is preparing to impose sanctions on another bank this week as it seeks to increase economic pressure on Iran amid stalled truce negotiations.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the move is part of Washington’s broader campaign to restrict Tehran’s access to international finance and cut off sources of revenue.
Speaking to the Associated Press on Sunday, Bessent declined to identify the bank that will be targeted. He warned that the United States could take further action against financial institutions accused of handling Iranian funds or supporting the Iranian government.
“We’re starting with the banks,” Bessent said, adding that institutions dealing with Iranian money must stop doing so.
The planned sanctions come days after Washington announced measures against Banque Misr, Egypt’s second-largest bank, accusing it of conducting business involving the Iranian government and threatening to cut its access to the US financial system.
Bessent said Washington expects additional financial measures to follow, indicating that more banks could face sanctions in the coming weeks.
The US has recently expanded its sanctions campaign against Iran, targeting nearly 60 individuals and entities accused of helping Tehran generate oil revenues, obtain weapons and conduct cyber operations.
Iranian authorities have rejected the latest measures, with Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Ali Madanizadeh saying the sanctions would not achieve their intended objectives.
US Seeks International Cooperation
Bessent is also expected to use a meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank officials in Asheville, North Carolina, to seek greater international cooperation against Iran.
He said he plans to hold discussions with Chinese officials and indicated that Washington could consider sanctions against Chinese entities involved in continued trade with Tehran.
Bessent also dismissed suggestions that the United States was unwilling to confront China over Iran-related issues.
Meanwhile, tensions between the US and Iran have risen again after military hostilities resumed on Sunday. Iran launched missiles at two US bases in Jordan after the United States carried out an attack on Larak Island in southern Iran.
The renewed violence has added further uncertainty to already stalled efforts to maintain a truce between Washington and Tehran.
.jpeg)
0 Comment about the Post: