U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent held a phone call with Bahrain's Finance Minister Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa regarding new sanctions against Iran, according to the U.S. Treasury Department.
“Iran should not be allowed to threaten international trade or use the Strait of Hormuz as leverage against the global economy,” Bessent stated in a message published on X.
He also emphasized that “it is important to continue financial pressure on Iran's remaining vital economic pathways” and stated that “the U.S. will hold accountable those who financially support the regime.”
Bessent welcomed “the long-term partnership with Bahrain and its ongoing commitment to protecting the integrity of the international financial system.”
Officials agreed on the importance of “continued coordination among the U.S., Bahrain, and partners of the Gulf Cooperation Council, as well as the international community in combating illegal finances and strengthening economic security.”
On Monday, the U.S. announced that it is “launching an economic assault on Iran's financial ties worldwide,” increasing pressure on Tehran. Scott Bessent stated that the goal is to “cut off every economic artery that supports this authoritarian regime until Tehran is completely isolated.”
