Washington DC, Aug. 24 -- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday (local time) that Washington is pursuing "quiet diplomacy" with countries that maintain economic ties with Iran, as the Trump administration considers new sanctions targeting Iran-related activities.

"We find that the best way to engage with countries is through quiet diplomacy, and we are level-setting with every country to tell them our expectations," Bessent said during a press conference. "We know who they are. They know who they are."

The Treasury Department has expanded the categories of "Iran-related conduct" that could be subject to US sanctions in the future, covering sectors including digital assets, technology and shipping.

The administration also p...