US can't isolate Iran as China-Russia bloc shifts global power

The United States faces significant global opposition to its economic strategy against Iran, as shifting alliances and new international blocs undermine Washington's ability to isolate Tehran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's "with us or against us" stance echoes past policies but lacks the support they once commanded. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, representing 40% of the world's population, now actively supports Iran and balances US power in Eurasia. Unlike the post-9/11 era when the US was the undisputed hegemon, today's multipolar world includes forums led by China and Russia that embrace nations Washington considers adversaries. At the recent SCO summit in Bishkek, members discussed increasing investment and trade with Iran. While America's capacity to impose costs remains formidable, many nations will oppose US sanctions whenever possible, reflecting a fundamentally changed global order from 2001.