U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Monday a new sanctions campaign called “Operation Economic Outcast” will choke off revenue streams for Iran.
The initiative represents a significant escalation in economic warfare intended to force an end to a war that has stretched U.S. resources. By targeting financial lifelines, the Trump administration aims to intensify pressure on the Iranian government through systemic economic isolation.
Bessent said the move is an aggressive shift in strategy. "We are heading toward an economic D‑Day for Iran," Bessent said.
The announcement coincided with severe instability in Iran's domestic currency. The Iranian rial fell to a record low on Monday, reaching approximately 2.02 million rials per U.S. dollar [1].
Treasury officials said the operation is designed to be the most comprehensive financial strike of its kind. "It will be the single greatest financial offensive ever," Bessent said.
The administration is targeting not only the Iranian state but also its allies to ensure the sanctions are effective. The goal is to cripple the economy to the point where the government can no longer sustain its current foreign policy and military engagements.
Bessent said the new measures are urgent. "We are launching an economic onslaught — the clock just started ticking," Bessent said.
“"It will be the single greatest financial offensive ever."”
The launch of Operation Economic Outcast signals a shift toward maximum financial pressure to achieve diplomatic or military concessions. By timing the announcement with a record collapse of the rial, the U.S. is attempting to leverage existing economic fragility to accelerate the destabilization of Iran's revenue streams.
