US vows to keep economic pressure on Iran

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday that Washington will keep up economic pressure on Iran, adding that a turning point could come within weeks or months. He spoke to reporters in Asheville, North Carolina, before G20 finance ministers and central bank governors began talks that run through Tuesday. According to Business Recorder, the meetings opened against the backdrop of a renewed exchange of fire with Tehran, the first such exchange in a month.

Bessent added that the aim could be reached without Iran's economy breaking down during the regional conflict. The Trump administration is trying to rally G20 partners behind tougher economic measures, and the European Union has called for continued diplomatic efforts toward a peace settlement. French Finance Minister Roland Lescure said officials would hear the US plans and discuss whether they could help on sanctions.

Trade disputes are also weighing on the talks, with Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne calling for steadier trade and continued growth. Bessent is set to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines and deliver a strong statement urging members to comply with US sanctions, a Treasury official said.