Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States is unlikely to restart large-scale combat against Iran, signaling that Washington intends to rely on financial isolation and a continuing maritime blockade to pressure Tehran.

Bessent said the administration is preparing what he called “the toughest sanctions in history,” describing the combination of the blockade and expanded economic restrictions as a “one-two punch” designed to deprive Iran of oil revenue, foreign currency and access to international trade.

The strategy depends heavily on enforcement beyond Iran itself. Washington is expected to target foreign banks, refiners, shipping companies and trading networks that continue facilitating Iranian commerce, effectively forcing governments and businesses to choose between dealing with Tehran and retaining access to the American financial system.

China presents the largest test. It purchases more than 80% of Iran’s shipped oil and remains Tehran’s most important economic lifeline. Bessent urged Beijing to cooperate, arguing that China also has a major interest in stabilizing the Persian Gulf because roughly half of its energy supplies originate in the region.

Bessent said stronger economic pressure should reduce the likelihood that the United States will resume an expensive, large-scale military campaign. The administration’s calculation is that Iran can survive isolated strikes more easily than the sustained loss of oil revenue, banking access and commercial relationships.

The approach is not without risk. Cutting Iranian barrels from the market while shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains constrained could push energy prices higher. Brent crude climbed above $94 Thursday as traders assessed whether the new campaign would further restrict supplies moving out of the Persian Gulf.

Bessent is expected to disclose additional details Monday, including how aggressively Washington will pursue companies and countries that continue doing business with Iran.

JBizNews Desk | Washington

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