The United States has “suffocated” the Iranian regime through an economic blockade combined with a military offensive launched in late February against Iran, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Sunday.

Speaking on Fox News, the official stated that President Donald Trump had ordered a “maximum pressure” campaign and the launch of an operation named “Economic Fury”, coordinated with the Treasury Department.

According to him, Washington is enforcing a “real economic blockade”, claiming that the US Navy is preventing any vessel traffic to and from Iran. He said that 49 ships have already been blocked, according to the US Central Command in the Middle East, the United States Central Command.

Scott Bessent also said the United States is increasing financial pressure on networks linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, accused of diverting national resources. Washington claims it has identified Iranian assets abroad and intends to preserve them “for the Iranian people” after the conflict.

The Treasury Secretary added that the measures aim to restore freedom of navigation in the region, particularly amid tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments.

According to Pentagon officials cited by US media, the naval blockade has already caused a sharp decline in Iran’s oil revenues, estimated at $4.8 billion.

Washington views this strategy as a pressure tool to force Iran to abandon its military nuclear ambitions, while diplomatic negotiations remain stalled.