06.02.2026 13:45
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the currency crisis and inflation in Iran are a result of the strategy pursued by the United States. Emphasizing that they have created a dollar shortage in Iran, Bessent said, "The Central Bank had to print money, and the Iranian currency went into free fall. Inflation exploded, and as a result, we saw the people of Iran in the streets." Bessent also noted that the leaders in Iran are "madly" transferring money out of the country.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent answered questions from senators regarding the economic policies of the administration led by President Donald Trump before the Senate Banking Committee.
"WE CREATED A DOLLAR SHORTAGE IN IRAN" In response to a question about what more the U.S. can do to exert pressure on Iran, Bessent stated, "What we can and have done as the Treasury Department is to create a dollar shortage in the country."
Emphasizing that this strategy has been applied against Iran, Bessent said, "This process reached a rapid and striking peak with the collapse of one of the largest banks in Iran in December. There was a run on the bank. Then the Central Bank had to print money, and the Iranian currency went into free fall. Inflation exploded, and as a result, we saw the Iranian people in the streets."
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent "RATS ARE LEAVING THE SHIP" Bessent stated, "We will continue to monitor all of Iran's partners. The good news is that Iranian leaders are frantically transferring money out of the country, and we can see this clearly. So, the rats are leaving the ship, which is a sign that they know the end may be near."
The Ayandeh Bank, managed by regime-affiliated circles in Iran, went bankrupt last October, suffering a loss of about $5 billion. The bank was taken over by the state, and the Central Bank had to print a large amount of money to cover the deficit.
SANCTIONS ON RUSSIA'S SHADOW FLEET ON THE TABLE Bessent also answered a question regarding the Trump administration's sanctions policy towards Russia and related entities. He stated that he would consider the possibility of imposing sanctions on Russia's "shadow fleet," which consists of oil tankers used to evade Western sanctions, depending on the course of the peace negotiations with Ukraine.
In response to Senator Andy Kim's question, "Can you commit to Congress that you will take action against Russia's shadow fleet?" Bessent replied, "I will evaluate that. We will look at how the peace talks progress."
DEATH TOLL IN IRANIAN PROTESTS RISES TO 6,872 Protests that began on December 28, 2025, led by shopkeepers in the Grand Bazaar of Tehran due to the rapid devaluation of the local currency against foreign currencies and deepening economic troubles spread across the country.
During the intensified protests in the capital Tehran on January 8, the government had blocked internet access.
The Iranian Foundation for Martyrs and Veterans announced in a statement on January 21, based on the Forensic Medicine Institution, that 3,117 people, including security forces and civilians, had lost their lives in the protests.
It was stated that 2,427 of these individuals were security forces and civilian citizens killed by "armed terrorist groups," while no information was provided about 690 individuals.
Although the protests in Iran have ended, HRANA, based in Virginia, USA, reported that the death toll of those who lost their lives in the actions that began due to economic problems has risen to 6,872.