Bessent says turning point could come within weeks or months
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington will continue its economic pressure campaign against Iran, suggesting a potential turning point could emerge within weeks or months.
Speaking ahead of meetings with G20 finance ministers and central bank governors in Asheville, North Carolina, Bessent said the pressure campaign was already producing positive discussions among international partners.
The Trump administration is seeking greater support from G20 members for increased economic pressure on Iran, as renewed fighting between the US and Iran overshadowed the finance talks.
Bessent said Iran’s economy does not necessarily need to collapse for US pressure to achieve its objectives.
The European Union called for continued diplomatic efforts to reach a peace settlement and welcomed initiatives aimed at persuading Iran to end what it described as destabilising activities and enter negotiations in good faith.
French Finance Minister Roland Lescure said European officials would consider US proposals for strengthening sanctions and assess how they could contribute.
The G20 meeting brings together 19 countries, the European Union and the African Union to discuss global economic and financial stability.
