US Treasury admits role in Iran’s economic squeeze ahead of high-stakes talks: Video
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged before a Senate committee that Washington has deliberately contributed to a shortage of US dollars inside Iran, describing it as part of a broader financial pressure strategy.
He said the approach culminated in December with the collapse of one of Iran’s largest banks, triggering a run on deposits, emergency money printing by the central bank and a sharp fall in the Iranian currency, which fuelled soaring inflation.
Bessent claimed the economic turmoil had ripple effects within Iran’s leadership, alleging that senior figures were moving money out of the country in large volumes. He portrayed this as a sign of internal strain, arguing that financial pressure has exposed vulnerabilities at the top of the system. His remarks came amid past waves of economic protests in Iran, which Tehran has blamed in part on foreign interference.
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