Bessent Warns Businesses To Stay Away From Iran

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned governments and companies against maintaining economic ties with Iran, saying Washington could impose further sanctions on airlines, shipping companies and digital-asset businesses that support Tehran.

Bessent said the United States would continue efforts to isolate Iran economically and prevent the country from maintaining connections with the international financial and commercial system.

Asked about the possibility of Russia providing support to Iran, Bessent urged countries and businesses to avoid assisting the Iranian government.

"My message to everyone is, stay away," Bessent said, arguing that cutting off outside support would help bring the conflict to an end more quickly.

He said Washington was already communicating with parties that continue to support Tehran and indicated that expanding economic pressure on Iran would require a broad international effort.

Bessent also issued a direct warning to companies and governments continuing to conduct business with Iran, saying the United States was prepared to target those relationships through sanctions.

"We are telling friends and foes, do not deal with this regime," he said, warning that companies could face severe economic consequences if they continued operating with Tehran.

The Treasury secretary said the United States intended to dismantle Iran's remaining economic links with the outside world.

"We are going to sever every tie that they have to the outside world," Bessent said.

His comments signal the possibility of a wider US sanctions campaign as Washington seeks to increase economic pressure on Tehran and discourage international companies from providing Iran with financial, commercial or logistical support.