European Union joins U.S.-led 'Operation Economic Outcast' as Iran cries foul

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks during a "fireside chat", as finance ministers and central bank governors from G20 countries meet in Asheville, North Carolina, U.S., September 1, 2026. Sam Wolfe | ReutersU.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent praised the European Union for formally joining "Operation Economic Outcast," the U.S.-led sanctions campaign aimed at severing Tehran from the global financial system, as Washington widens its war to include economic pressure. "We appreciate their strong and early stance," Bessent said in a social media post Thursday evening stateside. "The world is sending a clear message to the Iranian regime: We will not stop until every remaining financial lifeline has been severed," he added. The comments came after Brussels, in a statement on Aug. 31, said it supported efforts aimed at stopping the "destabilizing activities" by Tehran and resuming peace talks, including through Operation Economic Outcast, to apply additional economic pressure against the Islamic regime. The bloc's endorsement came as the Group of 20 finance ministers and central bank governors gathered in Asheville, North Carolina, earlier this week. "The United States stand...