Bessent: U.S. sanctions on Iran are working

WASHINGTON, September 27, 2026 – The U.S. sanctions campaign against Iran is working and putting real pressure on Tehran’s economy, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Tuesday, as Al Arabiya reports.

Speaking about the latest round of measures, Bessent argued that the restrictions are hitting Iran’s oil revenues and financial system, forcing Tehran to scale back spending and limiting its ability to fund regional proxies.

The comments come as Washington continues to tighten enforcement of existing sanctions, targeting oil exports, shipping networks and financial intermediaries that help Iran evade restrictions.

Bessent also signaled that the administration is prepared to go further if Tehran refuses to change course on its nuclear program and regional activities, saying the economic pressure will only increase.

Iranian officials, for their part, have repeatedly dismissed the sanctions as illegal and ineffective, claiming the economy is adapting — though independent data shows inflation and currency depreciation continuing to squeeze ordinary Iranians.