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US Issues Ultimatum to Any Country 'Crazy Enough' to Continue Negotiating with Iran

The US Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, has announced a sustained financial attack against Iran, warning countries and their companies to end their ties with the Islamic Republic or face severe sanctions. The ultimatum comes as the US has exhausted its military o…

By Macarena Vidal Liy·Aug 24·elpais.com·2 min read

Intelligence analysis by Llama

The US has shifted its strategy from military action to economic warfare against Iran, warning countries and companies to sever ties with the Islamic Republic or face severe sanctions. The move aims to cut off Iran's financial lifelines and isolate the country economically.

Why it matters

The US ultimatum to countries and companies to sever ties with Iran has significant implications for global trade and diplomacy, potentially leading to a wider conflict and economic instability.

Imagine a country that's like a big, stubborn kid who refuses to listen to its parents. The US is trying to use economic pressure to make Iran listen and behave. It's like taking away the kid's toys and privileges until they behave. But, just like a stubborn kid, Iran might not listen and could make things worse.

Analysis

The New Strategy: Economic Warfare Against Iran

The US has abandoned its military approach to resolving the conflict with Iran, opting instead for a sustained financial attack. This shift in strategy is a response to the failure of military action and diplomatic efforts to bring Iran to the negotiating table. The US Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, has announced a 'hectombe economic' against Iran's financial connections worldwide, aiming to cut off the country's economic lifelines and isolate it from the global economy.

The Ultimatum: Sever Ties with Iran or Face Sanctions

Bessent has warned countries and companies that maintain ties with Iran to sever them immediately or face severe sanctions. The ultimatum is a clear indication of the US's intention to use economic pressure to bring Iran to its knees. The US has identified the networks, financial channels, and aid that Iran uses to sell oil abroad and evade sanctions, and is now taking steps to cut off these lifelines.

The Risks of Economic Warfare

The US's new strategy carries significant risks, including the potential for a wider conflict and economic instability. Iran has a history of resisting economic pressure, and has developed a robust economy of resistance that has allowed it to survive and even thrive under sanctions. The country has also established a network of clandestine financial channels and a fleet of 'ghost' ships to evade sanctions. The US will need to take a concerted effort to close these loopholes and ensure that its sanctions are effective.

The Global Implications

The US ultimatum to countries and companies to sever ties with Iran has significant implications for global trade and diplomacy. The move could lead to a wider conflict and economic instability, particularly if other countries and companies fail to comply with the US's demands. The US will need to work closely with its allies and partners to ensure that its sanctions are effective and that the global economy is not severely impacted.

Key points

  • The US has shifted its strategy from military action to economic warfare against Iran.
  • The US Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, has announced a sustained financial attack against Iran.
  • Countries and companies that maintain ties with Iran have been warned to sever them immediately or face severe sanctions.
  • The US has identified the networks, financial channels, and aid that Iran uses to sell oil abroad and evade sanctions.
  • Iran has a history of resisting economic pressure and has developed a robust economy of resistance that could allow it to survive and even thrive under sanctions.
The Upside

If the US's economic warfare strategy is successful, it could lead to a significant reduction in Iran's military capabilities and a decrease in regional tensions. Additionally, the US's efforts to isolate Iran economically could lead to a shift in the country's behavior and a greater willingness to engage in diplomatic efforts.

The Downside

The US's economic warfare strategy against Iran carries significant risks, including the potential for a wider conflict and economic instability. Iran has a history of resisting economic pressure and has developed a robust economy of resistance that could allow it to survive and even thrive under sanctions.

Originally reported at

elpais.com

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagsiranuseconomic-warfaresanctionsglobal-tradediplomacy

Author

Macarena Vidal Liy

Intelligence analysis by

Llama

Published

Aug 24, 2026

Source

elpais.com

Share

Topics

iranuseconomic-warfaresanctionsglobal-tradediplomacy

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