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US eyes airlines, digital assets as Iran-related targets, Bessent says

By Thomson Reuters Sep 2, 2026 | 7:16 AM

WASHINGTON, Sept 2 (Reuters) – U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday said airlines, the ​maritime industry and digital assets ‌could be possible targets as the Trump administration continues its planned efforts to squeeze Iran’s economy.

Bessent, asked ‌about ​Russian support for ⁠Iran in an ⁠interview on Fox News following a G20 gathering in North Carolina this week, also warned “everyone” ​against backing Tehran.

“My message to everyone is stay away. We ⁠all want this ⁠conflict to end, and ​the fastest way for the ​conflict to end is for no ‌one to provide any support to this regime,” he told “Fox & Friends” one day after Russian ⁠President Vladimir Putin threw his support behind Iran.

“We are having very fulsome ⁠talks with ‌anyone supporting the ⁠regime,” he added.

On Tuesday, ​Bessent ‌said the administration could also ​target ⁠airline leasing companies and that more Iran bank sanctions could come this week.

(Reporting by Susan Heavey; Editing by Sharon Singleton and ​Michelle Nichols )