The Rachman Review

Will Bessent’s ‘economic D-Day’ break Iran?

September 3, 2026·31 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent is calling for an “economic D-Day” for the Iranian regime while threatening secondary sanctions on countries that do business with the country. Will this be more effective than previous attempts at economic pressure? What impact will this have on US relations with China? And how will energy markets react? Sasha Polakow-Suransky, executive opinion editor, speaks with Emma Ashford, Stimson Center senior fellow and Foreign Policy columnist, about Washington’s latest Iran sanctions push dubbed Operation Economic Outcast. Clip: CBS NewsJoin us at the FT Weekend Festival on Saturday, September 5 at Kenwood House Gardens in London, and spend the day with FT journalists and leading voices across business, politics, economics, culture and the arts. FT podcast listeners can save 10% off tickets with the code FTPODCAST. Click on this link to find out more.Free links to read more on this topic:US launches further strikes on Iran as conflict flares upEnergy price surge hits bond markets as European gas reaches three-year highDonald Trump says US will hit Iran ‘hard’ as conflict reignites Scott Bessent: an economic D-Day is coming for IranScott Bessent threatens Iran’s economic partners with more sanctionsIs China’s ‘wise camel’ the winner from the US-Iran war?Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Sasha Polakow-Suransky. Produced by Clare Williamson. Sound design is by Breen TurnerRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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