EU backs US economic pressure campaign against Iran

The European Union has joined a US-led campaign aimed at tightening economic pressure on Iran, according to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Bessent said in a post on X that the EU had officially joined Washington's "Operation Economic Outcast", welcoming what he described as the bloc's "strong and early stance".

He said the United States and its allies were determined to prevent Iran's government from using the international financial system to support its nuclear programme, weapons development and allied armed groups.

"The world is sending a clear message to the Iranian regime," Bessent said, adding that Washington would continue its efforts until Iran's remaining financial channels were cut off.

The EU said late last month that it would work closely with the United States, G7 members and other international partners to maintain pressure on Iran.

The bloc said its efforts were also intended to support de-escalation and promote stability across the region.

The latest move signals closer coordination between Washington and Brussels as Western governments seek to restrict Iran's access to international finance and increase economic pressure on Tehran