Overview
- U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said Iranian negotiators fear Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s campaign more than U.S. military leaders and described the effort as devastating Iran’s economy.
- Washington has shifted emphasis to a named Treasury offensive called Operation Economic Fury that uses sanctions and asset restrictions to squeeze Iran’s currency and cash flow.
- Waltz and other officials say Iran’s negotiating demands focus almost entirely on cash access, including release of frozen assets, broad sanctions relief, and an end to the naval blockade.
- U.S. forces briefly paused recent strikes to allow third-party mediation while planners keep tougher military options under study because Tehran has not shown new willingness to meet U.S. terms.
- Regional mediators from Oman, Qatar and Pakistan are pursuing talks even as stalled negotiations and tighter sanctions push oil markets and raise the risk of renewed escalation if diplomacy fails.