US Treasury Chief Cites Iran Oil Halt, Currency Slide as Results of Economic Pressure

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Monday that Iran had not loaded any crude oil onto tankers during the past month, presenting the claim as evidence of the impact of Washington’s economic pressure campaign.

Bessent also said the Iranian rial had fallen to record lows. He linked both developments to the US operation known as “Economic Outcast,” which aims to isolate Iran economically.

His remarks focused on two indicators: crude oil loadings and the value of Iran’s currency. Bessent portrayed the reported halt in tanker loading and the rial’s decline as results of the operation.

The account reflects Washington’s assessment of its campaign. Bessent’s remarks did not include figures for oil volumes or an exchange rate for the rial.