Bessent Says Iran Sanctions Could Threaten Global Financial System

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent appeared to acknowledge the potential risks of imposing new sanctions on Iran, saying such measures could have serious consequences for the global financial system.

During a press conference in Washington announcing the sanctions, a reporter asked why the Treasury was not imposing them immediately. Bessent responded: “Why would I want to blow up the global financial system?”

He then explained that Washington wanted to give other countries an opportunity to comply with the sanctions, describing the measures as a “warning shot”. Countries that ignore the restrictions could eventually face exclusion from the US dollar-based financial system.

Bessent ended the press conference shortly after making the remarks and did not take further questions.

The comments come as Washington increases economic pressure on Iran while attempting to enforce its sanctions policy internationally.