Sen. John Fetterman celebrates as Iran’s currency hits new record low: ‘Inflicting maximum damage is a good thing’
Sen. John Fetterman celebrated the collapse of Iran’s currency as the Trump administration announced a sweeping new round of sanctions designed to further isolate Tehran from the global economy.
‘Inflicting maximum damage’
The Pennsylvania Democrat, who has consistently backed a hard line against Iran, praised the mounting economic pressure on the Islamic Republic as Washington targets its government, energy sector and international trading relationships.
“I love it. Inflicting maximum damage on the regime committed to destroying America and Israel is a good thing,” Fetterman wrote on X.
His comment comes as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled what the Trump administration is calling Operation Economic Outcast, warning countries that continue doing business with Iran that they could face retaliation from the United States.
President Donald Trump recently promised an “economic D-Day” against Tehran, with his administration now seeking to further cut off Iran from the global economy.
Bessent said Washington is giving Iran’s trading partners an opportunity to change course before imposing additional penalties.
“Why would I want to blow up the global financial system?” Bessent asked.
Sanctions against Iran
The Treasury Department announced sanctions against nearly 60 Iran-linked entities, accusing them of involvement in the country’s nuclear and missile programs, cyber activities and oil shipments.
Bessent also warned that countries helping Tehran convert its oil exports into revenue could become targets.
“If they facilitate transactions and are part of the ecosystem that turns Iranian oil into money, into repression, they will be targeted,” he said.
China, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates are Iran’s largest trading partners. Last week, the UAE suspended trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran following a reported Iranian missile attack on the Gulf country. Bessent called that decision “not a coincidence.”
Iran dismisses Washington’s threats
Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf dismissed Washington’s threats, arguing Tehran’s trading partners were not being swayed.
“Iran’s trading partners, both in the media and through messages sent to us, have made it clear that they don’t take these statements into account anywhere,” Qalibaf posted on X.
The Trump administration’s economic offensive comes nearly six months into the war with Iran, as dwindling U.S. weapons stockpiles appear to have pushed Washington toward greater reliance on economic pressure.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, however, said he is not ruling out renewed strikes against Iran during the current lull in hostilities.