Besant: Iran is close to losing its negotiating cards... “It will have nothing left” within two weeks

Listen to the article. The audio text is automated, generated by an automated system

US Treasury Secretary Scott Besent warned that the Iranian economy may reach a stage in about two weeks where it "will have nothing to trade," noting that Tehran is close to delivering the last of its remaining oil shipments, in light of mounting US pressure and sanctions.

In an interview with Fox News, Besant said that about 15 million barrels of Iranian oil are still at sea, expecting that oil deliveries to China will end within the next two weeks.

He added: "I am confident that, given that there are only 15 million barrels of Iranian oil in the sea, Iran will have nothing left to trade for anything."

He continued: "Most likely, during the next two weeks, Iran will make its last deliveries of oil to China, and after that it will have nothing. It will be facing a complete vacuum. I think they are feeling the pressure, and that is why they want to reach an agreement."

Besant's statements come in light of the US administration escalating its economic pressure on Tehran, after the collapse of the memorandum of understanding with Iran in July, and the subsequent US measures aimed at tightening restrictions on the movement of ships and trade related to Iran.

Last month, Besant announced an operation called “Operation Economic Outcast,” which focused on tightening pressure on foreign countries and companies that deal with Iran.

Last week, Iranian officials put forward a seven-day ceasefire proposal, which would include reopening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the United States releasing about $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets, lifting the blockade and easing sanctions.

However, US President Donald Trump rejected the proposal and considered it unacceptable.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Besant said: “The Strait is open,” adding that the movement of oil through it currently ranges between 15 and 22 million barrels per day, compared to about 20 million barrels per day before the outbreak of the conflict.

The strait, through which nearly a fifth of the world's seaborne oil supplies usually pass, has witnessed turmoil since early March due to sporadic Iranian attacks targeting ships in the region. The Trump administration says that US forces are escorting the ships along a route close to the Omani coast.

Besant said that Iran is “isolated from the world,” describing it as a “pariah state,” stressing that his goal is to ensure Tehran’s commitment to any future agreement reached.

He added: "They concluded a memorandum of understanding and did not adhere to it. Next time, if there is an agreement, and this is up to President Trump, they will adhere to it, because they are on their knees."