UK Chancellor of the Exchequer: We continue to work with Washington to increase economic pressure on Iran

British Chancellor of the Exchequer John Helly confirmed on Tuesday that his country will continue to work with the United States and its partners to increase economic pressure on Iran. In a statement, Minister Helly said, “We have imposed more than 240 sanctions on Iran to prevent it from exploiting the global economy and the UK’s financial system, and to stop it from developing its nuclear program and reducing its destabilizing activities.” He clarified that Iranian activities threaten the British people and national security, “and for this reason, we are prepared to continue working with the United States and our other partners to increase economic pressure on Iran.” He reaffirmed his country’s support for “US efforts to reach a diplomatic solution, alongside our welcome for increased pressure on Iran through the ‘Economic Outcast’ process.” Helly added, “We will continue to work with our partners to protect our interests and take the necessary steps to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and combat Iran’s dangerous activities.” The minister’s remarks came a day after his US counterpart, Scott Besant, announced the “Economic Outcast” operation, aimed at “cutting off every economic lifeline that fuels the Iranian regime.” Besant explained that the operation also targets sectors related to digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and maritime shipping linked to the Iranian regime, adding, “We are launching a sweeping economic offensive targeting Iran’s financial connections worldwide to cut off every economic lifeline that sustains this tyrannical regime, so that Tehran finds itself completely isolated.”