The US treasury secretary has said sanctions will 'squash' Iran's economy and 'collapse' its regime, and told allies they must decide whether they 'are with us or against us', according to the BBC.
Key facts
- The US treasury secretary said sanctions would 'squash' Iran's economy and 'collapse' its regime, according to the BBC.
- The official said allies will need to decide whether they 'are with us or against us'.
- The comments were reported by the BBC on 20 August 2026.
The United States treasury secretary has said that sanctions will ‘squash’ Iran’s economy and ‘collapse’ its regime, according to the BBC.
The BBC reported that the treasury secretary also said allies ‘will need to decide’ whether they ‘are with us or against us’.
The source text does not identify the treasury secretary by name, specify which allies were addressed, or set out what actions those allies may be asked to take.
Further detail on the timing, scope and specific targets of the sanctions was not provided in the available reporting.
Why it matters
Sanctions described as aimed at collapsing a government, alongside a demand that allies choose sides, signal a more confrontational phase in US policy toward Iran. The available source does not detail the specific measures or their intended timing.
Frequently asked questions
What did the US treasury secretary say about Iran?
According to the BBC, the treasury secretary said sanctions will 'squash' Iran's economy and 'collapse' its regime.
What is the US asking of its allies?
The treasury secretary said allies will need to decide whether they 'are with us or against us', according to the BBC.
Which countries or specific sanctions were named?
The available source does not specify which allies were addressed or the particular sanctions involved.