US launches Operation Economic Pariah to isolate Iran

The United States launched Operation "Economic Pariah" against Iran on Monday, aiming to cut off Tehran's funding sources during the ongoing war. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the campaign, warning that entities facilitating Iranian money laundering would be excluded from the dollar system. Bessent described the effort as an "unprecedented campaign" and an "economic attack" to isolate the Iranian regime. The Treasury has mapped out networks used to smuggle oil and bypass sanctions, targeting five critical sectors: digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and maritime shipping. President Donald Trump is contacting world leaders to cease collaboration with Iran. The operation follows US and Israeli strikes on Iran roughly six months ago, marking the start of regional war. Negotiations have stalled, with disputes over control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for oil and gas connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman.