WASHINGTON: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned Iran that any harm caused to Washington’s Gulf allies would be compensated through funds drawn from Iranian accounts, signalling a further tightening of economic pressure on Tehran.
In remarks posted on social media platform X, Bessent said the “Iranian regime will lose the zero-sum game it is playing”, adding that any damage inflicted on US allies in the Gulf would be “paid for with funds extracted from Iranian accounts”.
The Iranian regime will lose the zero-sum game it is playing.
Any damage it inflicts on our allies in the Gulf will be paid for with funds extracted from Iranian Accounts.
Any tolls paid to the Persian Gulf Strait Authority will be offset by funds extracted from their accounts.…
— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) June 11, 2026
He further indicated that any tolls paid to a proposed or existing Gulf Strait Authority would also be offset through Iranian-linked financial resources. “Every attack Iran launches will only deepen the economic and financial consequences it faces,” he stated.
The comments come amid ongoing tensions in the Gulf region, where concerns over potential attacks on critical energy infrastructure and shipping routes have heightened fears of disruption to global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz — a vital chokepoint linking the Arabian Gulf to international markets — remains central to global energy flows, with any instability in the area closely monitored by financial and energy sectors worldwide.
Washington has long relied on sanctions, asset freezes, and financial restrictions against Iran, targeting oil revenues, shipping networks and entities it accuses of supporting Tehran’s regional military activities.
Bessent’s remarks came after US President Donald Trump announced what he described as a “great settlement” to end the war with Iran, saying the agreement was close to completion and would ensure that Iran never possesses a nuclear weapon.
Trump — who is hosting a cage fight at the White House on Sunday to mark his 80th birthday — said Vice President JD Vance would represent the United States at a potential signing ceremony.
The announcement came hours after Trump threatened fresh military strikes against Iran before later cancelling them. He provided a few details about the terms of the proposed agreement.
