US Treasury Aims to Topple Iran's Regime with Historic Sanctions

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant revealed that the Trump administration's upcoming economic measures against Iran aim to overthrow the Ayatollah regime. In a CNBC interview on Thursday, Bessant described the strategy as a "double punch" involving a blockade and the toughest sanctions in history, intended to collapse the regime. This announcement followed President Donald Trump's declaration of an economic "D-Day" against Iran, warning that any country continuing trade with Tehran would face severe economic consequences.

Bessant detailed that new sanctions, to be announced at a Monday press conference, will impose harsh penalties on nations maintaining trade with Iran, including financial transactions and oil purchases. He emphasized that allies and the global community must choose to either support or oppose the US stance, warning of full enforcement against violators. When asked about China, which has close ties with Iran and recently considered military support, Bessant avoided a direct answer but noted China's heavy reliance on Gulf energy, implying cooperation would benefit them.

Reports indicate Iran is shifting to a "survival economy," rationing scarce goods, restricting foreign currency access, cutting investments, and transferring economic burdens to households. However, some analysts warn the US strategy assumes Iran will break before Washington does, a risky bet given Iran's history of enduring sanctions and potential to escalate attacks to raise costs for the US and its allies.

Iran condemned the US sanctions as "economic terrorism" and a crime against humanity, vowing to defend its national interests and repel what it calls the Zionist-American enemy. Iranian officials dismissed US predictions of regime collapse, labeling the economic warfare as a failed tactic following unsuccessful military efforts. Despite Iran's defiant rhetoric, internal voices like President Masoud Pezhkian call for ending the current stalemate, though hardline Revolutionary Guard generals hold significant power.

The escalating economic pressure marks a critical phase in US-Iran tensions, with the Trump administration pushing for maximum isolation of Tehran while Iran braces for intensified hardship and political strain.