US issues ultimatum to nations over Iran financial dealings

The United States has issued ultimatums to countries to end all financial dealings with Iran under a new "Operation Economic Outcast," announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday. The operation aims to isolate Iran's regime by threatening exclusion from the US financial system for non-compliant nations. Bessent stated that any entity facilitating money laundering for Iran would be removed from the US dollar system, with sanctions targeting over 60 entities, individuals, and vessels involved in Iran's nuclear, missile, and oil activities. He provided few specifics but said a major financial institution could face sanctions by week's end, while preferring "quiet diplomacy" with countries like China. The announcement marks a shift from military to economic pressure in the ongoing conflict, which began six months ago. Iran's parliamentary speaker dismissed the threats, saying trading partners do not take them seriously, as the US also maintains a naval blockade on Iranian ports.