Bessent admits sanctions may blow up global economy in apparent slip

Bessent admits sanctions may blow up global economy in apparent slip US Treasury Secretary says that American sanctions on Iran could collapse the global economy, in an apparent slip while answering a question from a reporter at a press conference in Washington, DC to announce the santions. When asked by a reporter why the Treasury doesn't impose the sanctions today, Bessent replied "why would I want to blow up the global financial system?" He went on to elaborate that the US wants to give countries the "opportunity" to abide by their sanctions as a "warning shot" which, if ignored, will result in such nations being removed from the US dollar system. After he delivered the remarks, Bessent left the press conference, not taking any further questions. Bessent: "Why would I want to blow up the global financial system?" pic.twitter.com/vPXHtzS4IF — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 24, 2026