Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has responded to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's threat of new sanctions by asserting that the United States is not in an economic position to dictate other countries' economic relations with Iran. Ghalibaf stated that Iran's trading partners are unfazed by such statements, indicating a lack of regard for American economic pressure. Bessent's announcement of 'Operation Economic Outcast' aims to financially isolate Iran and cut off its revenue streams, with the US Treasury reportedly having identified and mapped out Iran's networks for oil smuggling and sanctions evasion. The US intends to block all potential revenue sources that fund the IRGC and the Iranian regime, presenting Iran with a choice between complete global isolation or a path to rejoining the international economy.

Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has responded to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's threat of new sanctions by asserting that the United States is not in an economic position to dictate other countries' economic relations with Iran. Ghalibaf stated that Iran's trading partners are unfazed by such statements, indicating a lack of regard for American economic pressure. Bessent's announcement of 'Operation Economic Outcast' aims to financially isolate Iran and cut off its revenue streams, with the US Treasury reportedly having identified and mapped out Iran's networks for oil smuggling and sanctions evasion. The US intends to block all potential revenue sources that fund the IRGC and the Iranian regime, presenting Iran with a choice between complete global isolation or a path to rejoining the international economy.

Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has responded to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's threat of new sanctions by asserting that the United States is not in an economic position to dictate other countries' economic relations with Iran. Ghalibaf stated that Iran's trading partners are unfazed by such statements, indicating a lack of regard for American economic pressure. Bessent's announcement of 'Operation Economic Outcast' aims to financially isolate Iran and cut off its revenue streams, with the US Treasury reportedly having identified and mapped out Iran's networks for oil smuggling and sanctions evasion. The US intends to block all potential revenue sources that fund the IRGC and the Iranian regime, presenting Iran with a choice between complete global isolation or a path to rejoining the international economy.

Iran has promised to retaliate against expanded US economic sanctions, while expressing confidence that its major trading partners will resist Washington’s pressure campaign.

Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said the United States is not in an economic position to further restrict Iran’s relations with other countries.

In a post on X, Ghalibaf said, “Americans know that no one buys their bombast; the United States is not in an economic position to further restrict its relations with other countries.”

“Iran’s trading partners, both in the media and through messages sent to us, have made it clear that they don’t take these statements into account anywhere,” he added.

Ghalibaf’s remarks came shortly after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced what he called “Operation Economic Outcast”, targeting countries that maintain economic ties with Iran.

Bessent unveiled the measures on Monday but stopped short of imposing the most severe sanctions. He warned that countries continuing to trade with Iran could risk being cut off from the dollar-based financial system.

Bessent did not identify the countries that could be targeted or specify when the penalties would take effect, saying they would first be given time to comply with the new directive.

“Iran now faces a clear choice, with only two paths before them: complete global isolation and a subsistence economy, or a path to normalcy with the opportunity to rejoin the global economy,” Bessent said. “Today we are launching Operation Economic Outcast to foreclose all other options available to the Iranian regime.”

Before Bessent’s announcement, Iran had threatened both a possible military response and further reductions in oil exports from the Gulf.

“We are fully prepared for the US sanctions,” Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh said.

“Naturally, the enemies intend to launch an economic terrorist attack on us, but we also have our own tools and know how to play the game. Our defense is no longer so defensive; the enemies should wait for an attack,” he told state television.

Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi, spokesperson for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), also vowed to deliver heavy blows against US military and energy infrastructure if Iran’s own infrastructure comes under threat, Press TV reported.

Notably, during his press conference, Bessent also addressed Iranian “ordinary soldiers”, urging them to question their military leadership as Washington intensifies economic pressure on Tehran.

“To the ordinary soldiers supporting this regime, as more and more of your paychecks stop or are supposedly just delayed, ask whether your commanders are leading your country to triumph or to ruin,” he said.

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