Washington Escalates: Iranian Oil Nears Total Collapse

Statements by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bissent on Iranian Oil

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bissent stated that Iranian oil production will "collapse soon," emphasizing that the oil sector in Iran is facing a sharp decline.

He added that the Iranian oil industry has already begun to halt production due to what he described as a "blockade."

Warnings of Fuel Crisis and Deterioration in the Iranian Oil Sector

Bissent pointed out that Iran may face a severe gasoline crisis, amid the deterioration of the operational infrastructure of the oil sector.

He considered that what he termed a "dilapidated industry" has effectively begun to stop production due to the economic pressures imposed on it.

Potential U.S. Sanctions Targeting the Iranian Aviation Sector

The U.S. Treasury Secretary warned that entities dealing with Iranian airlines may be subject to U.S. sanctions.

He clarified that this move is part of an economic pressure campaign aimed at reducing Iran's ability to operate in international markets, including services such as fuel, aviation, supply, landing fees, and maintenance.

Statements via “X” Platform and Emphasis on Commitment to Sanctions

In a post on the “X” platform, Bissent confirmed that any commercial dealings with sanctioned Iranian airlines expose the involved parties to the risk of U.S. sanctions.

He urged foreign governments to take strict measures to prevent any services from being provided to Iranian aircraft.

Reuters Reports and Context of Economic Pressures

According to Reuters, these statements came as part of a U.S. policy aimed at exerting "financial strangulation" on the Iranian government, within a broader campaign of economic pressures linked to regional tensions.

Partial Resumption of Iranian Flights

Official Iranian media reported that Iran has resumed its commercial flights from Tehran International Airport for the first time since the war began.

The planned flights include destinations such as Istanbul, Muscat, Medina, and some countries like Iraq and Qatar.

Washington's “Financial Strangulation” Policy

The U.S. Treasury Department confirmed that Washington is implementing what it calls "financial strangulation" on the Iranian government, as part of economic sanctions aimed at reducing the income sources and operational capacity of the Iranian state.

Context of Military Tensions and Fragile Ceasefire

These developments come amid a fragile ceasefire that began about three weeks ago, following previous military escalation between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other.

Background of the War and Human Losses

The war began after a U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28, followed by Iranian military responses that included strikes on Israel and Gulf countries hosting U.S. bases.

These events resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions of people in several countries, including Lebanon.