Bangladesh, Aug. 31 -- The United States is preparing to intensify its economic confrontation with Iran, threatening to deploy what US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has called “financial violence” against Tehran and its international partners. Washingtons strategy goes beyond imposing sanctions directly on Iranian institutions. It aims to pressure foreign banks, companies and governments into choosing between maintaining economic relationships with Iran and preserving access to the US-dominated financial system.

Bessents warning that new secondary sanctions could be announced every week marks a potentially significant escalation in Washingtons campaign of economic pressure. Banks, he indicated, will be among the first targ...