Experts assess U.S. economic pressure campaign against the Islamic Republic

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has announced the launch of 'Operation Economic Outcast' against the Islamic Republic of Iran. He described the objective as severing all financial lifelines sustaining the regime and achieving global isolation. This declaration follows President Donald Trump’s commitment to launch an 'economic D-Day' against Tehran. Following the announcement, the Iranian rial plunged to an all-time low of 2.02 million to the U.S. dollar. Iran expert Jonathan Harounoff suggested that this pressure campaign could cripple the regime and set the stage for domestic uprisings, though he noted that the timing remains unpredictable. Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran, characterized this iteration of maximum pressure as unprecedented due to the synchronization of economic and military components. Conversely, independent expert Alireza Nader expressed skepticism that economic strangulation would trigger a mass revolt, citing the regime's extreme brutality and the lack of materialized foreign support as deterrents. Beni Sabti of the Institute for National Security Studies in Israel noted ongoing economic grievances, including salary delays, and suggested that such conditions could spark renewed protests. Secretary Bessent addressed Iranian security forces, urging them to question whether their leadership is guiding the country toward triumph or ruin.