Bessent: Iran Lashing Out Militarily as Sanctions Cripple Economy

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Iran is taking American sanctions "very seriously," adding that the regime's leaders are shocked by the state of their own economy. Bessent argued that Tehran's recent military aggression stems from economic desperation, saying Iran is "losing economically" and lashing out as a result. He said the sanctions pressure campaign is working and called on Iranian leaders to "come to their senses." The comments come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with the administration continuing to tout its sanctions regime as a key tool for containing Iran's regional ambitions and nuclear program. Bessent's remarks reinforce the administration's position that economic pressure, not diplomacy alone, is forcing Iran's hand.