US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday (September 3) stated that the European Union has "officially joined" the US-led "Operation Economic Outcast" against Iran, throwing its weight behind Donald Trump's strong campaign. Welcoming the move, Bessent described it as the bloc's strong and early stance in continuing economic pressure on Tehran as the West Asia conflict continues. "The European Union has officially joined Operation Economic Outcast and we appreciate their strong and early stance," Bessent said in a statement on social media platform X. "The United States stands firm with our allies in ensuring the murderous Iranian regime cannot exploit the global financial system to fund its nuclear ambitions, weapons programs, and terror proxies. The world is sending a clear message to the Iranian regime: We will not stop until every remaining financial lifeline has been severed," he added.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The European Union has officially joined Operation Economic Outcast and we appreciate their strong and early stance. The United States stands firm with our allies in ensuring the murderous Iranian regime cannot exploit the global financial system to fund its nuclear ambitions,…&mdash; Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) <a href="https://x.com/SecScottBessent/status/2095654604943815139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Bessent's comments followed the EU's announcement that it was ready to back further economic pressure on Iran, including support for the US-led operation, while emphasising the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement and efforts toward de-escalation. "The European Union has consistently urged Iran to curb its nuclear programme, and its ballistic missile programme, refrain from destabilising activities in the region and in Europe, stop its military support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and cease the violence and repression against its own people," the EU said in a statement shared by Bessent.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-is-great-trump-hails-syria-s-push-for-alternative-to-strait-of-hormuz-amid-us-iran-war-1788487903144"> 'This is great': Trump hails Syria's push for alternative to Strait of Hormuz amid US-Iran war</a><h3>Freedom of navigation</h3>The bloc stated that it views continued diplomatic efforts as essential to reach a peace settlement, restoring stability in the region and ensure complete freedom of navigation along with safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, the EU noted that it had already implemented extensive sanctions designed to avoid Iran from exploiting the global economy and financial system to sustain what it characterised as hostile conduct and to safeguard international security. "It remains ready to take further measures, where necessary, to safeguard its security and interests, including freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz," the EU said. The bloc welcomed efforts aimed at ensuring Iran ceases its destabilising activities and engages in peace negotiations "with good faith", adding that this could include additional economic pressure through Operation Economic Outcast.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's comments followed the EU's announcement that it was ready to back further economic pressure on Iran, including support for the US-led operation, while emphasising the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement and efforts toward de-escalation.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday (September 3) stated that the European Union has "officially joined" the US-led "Operation Economic Outcast" against Iran, throwing its weight behind Donald Trump's strong campaign. Welcoming the move, Bessent described it as the bloc's strong and early stance in continuing economic pressure on Tehran as the West Asia conflict continues. "The European Union has officially joined Operation Economic Outcast and we appreciate their strong and early stance," Bessent said in a statement on social media platform X. "The United States stands firm with our allies in ensuring the murderous Iranian regime cannot exploit the global financial system to fund its nuclear ambitions, weapons programs, and terror proxies. The world is sending a clear message to the Iranian regime: We will not stop until every remaining financial lifeline has been severed," he added.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's comments followed the EU's announcement that it was ready to back further economic pressure on Iran, including support for the US-led operation, while emphasising the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement and efforts toward de-escalation.

EU officially joins US-led 'Operation Economic Outcast' against Iran, says Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent

Iran executed a man on Sunday (August 23) accused of carrying a chainsaw during January anti-government protests. He was charged with acting as an agent of the United States and Israel. The judiciary stated that the accused, identified as Majid Adineh, had been convicted of "operational action in favour of hostile groups" in nationwide rallies that erupted late last year. He is among several individuals executed in connection with the unrest, which stemmed from economic hardships in Iran. According to a report published Sunday by the judiciary's Mizan Online outlet, Adineh faced charges of deliberate arson, along with gathering and collusion to commit crimes against the country's internal security. "Based on numerous documents and evidence in the case and the defendant's statements, the Karaj Revolutionary Court sentenced him to death and confiscation of all his property." His appeal was rejected, with the Supreme Court affirming the original ruling, and the sentence was carried out on Sunday morning, per Mizan.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-850-million-payment-outstanding-un-dues-1787478462717">US to make $850mn payment out of its $4bn+ outstanding UN dues</a><h3>Unrest began in 2025</h3>Mizan also reported that Adineh and a second suspect were detained on January 9 in Alborz province, located west of Tehran, and were found in possession of a handgun, ammunition, two stun guns, two canisters of tear gas, a battery-powered chainsaw, and gasoline. The unrest began in late December over frustration with rising costs of living, but quickly escalated into broader demonstrations against the government, reaching their height on January 8 and 9. Iranian officials say the violence resulted in over 3,000 deaths, blaming the bloodshed on what they characterised as terrorism directed by the US and Israel.&nbsp;Ever since the Middle East war begans the number of executions in Iran has rosed. A good number of the executions have been connected to the protests, with other cases related to the war. Iran Human Rights NGO , based in Norway, revealed that authorities has executed at least 1,639 people last year, a record high since 1989. Amnesty International confirmed that Iran conducts the second most executions of any country, after China.

 According to a report published Sunday by the judiciary's Mizan Online outlet, Adineh faced charges of deliberate arson, along with gathering and collusion to commit crimes against the country's internal security.

Iran executed a man on Sunday (August 23) accused of carrying a chainsaw during January anti-government protests. He was charged with acting as an agent of the United States and Israel. The judiciary stated that the accused, identified as Majid Adineh, had been convicted of "operational action in favour of hostile groups" in nationwide rallies that erupted late last year. He is among several individuals executed in connection with the unrest, which stemmed from economic hardships in Iran. According to a report published Sunday by the judiciary's Mizan Online outlet, Adineh faced charges of deliberate arson, along with gathering and collusion to commit crimes against the country's internal security. "Based on numerous documents and evidence in the case and the defendant's statements, the Karaj Revolutionary Court sentenced him to death and confiscation of all his property." His appeal was rejected, with the Supreme Court affirming the original ruling, and the sentence was carried out on Sunday morning, per Mizan. Also read: US to make $850mn payment out of its $4bn+ outstanding UN dues Unrest began in 2025 Mizan also reported that Adineh and a second suspect were detained on January 9 in Alborz province, located west of Tehran, and were found in possession of a handgun, ammunition, two stun guns, two canisters of tear gas, a battery-powered chainsaw, and gasoline. The unrest began in late December over frustration with rising costs of living, but quickly escalated into broader demonstrations against the government, reaching their height on January 8 and 9. Iranian officials say the violence resulted in over 3,000 deaths, blaming the bloodshed on what they characterised as terrorism directed by the US and Israel. Ever since the Middle East war begans the number of executions in Iran has rosed. A good number of the executions have been connected to the protests, with other cases related to the war. Iran Human Rights NGO , based in Norway, revealed that authorities has executed at least 1,639 people last year, a record high since 1989. Amnesty International confirmed that Iran conducts the second most executions of any country, after China.

&nbsp;According to a report published Sunday by the judiciary's Mizan Online outlet, Adineh faced charges of deliberate arson, along with gathering and collusion to commit crimes against the country's internal security.

Iran executes man over accusation of aiding US, Israel during anti-govt protests: More details inside

US Vice President JD Vance cautioned that if Iran acquires a nuclear weapon, it will trigger a widespread nuclear arms race across the Middle Eastern powers. His statement came during an interview with Megyn Kelly released on Wednesday, describing it as a nuclear “quagmire”.&nbsp;“If the Iranians get a nuclear weapon, you know who gets a nuclear weapon, like the next day? The Saudi Arabians and then somebody else in the Gulf Arab states,” Vance said.&nbsp;Vance stressed that President Donald Trump’s agenda prioritises reducing the threat of nuclear weapons worldwide and said the president has “no interest” in repeating mistakes made during the Iraq conflict in the early 2000s. He added that Washington needs to strike a careful balance between diplomatic engagement and a firm stance.&nbsp;“Iran can’t have nuclear weapons. That is the stated policy goal of the president of the United States,” Vance said. “What the president is going to do is he is going to keep his options open. He’s going to talk to everybody. He’s going to try to accomplish what he can through nonmilitary means. If he feels like the military is the only option, then he’s ultimately going to choose that option," Vance added.&nbsp;WATCH: https://www.wionews.com/videos/nigeria-villages-in-central-northern-nigeria-hit-in-deadliest-attack-1770280588658/embedd<h3>Will Trump run Iran similarly to Venezuela?</h3>When Kelly questioned Vance about the future of Iran amid ongoing protests against the regime continue. She drew a parallel with a hypothetical situation in which the US captures Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, prompting speculation that Trump would then be running the country.&nbsp;Noting the comparison, Vance said in the interview, “The president is very aware of all of the stuff." “In a perfect world, I would love it if a bunch of freedom-loving Iranians … took over their own country and had a government that was much more friendly to the United States of America? … Absolutely that would be a good thing," he said.&nbsp;The vice-president added that Trump continues to sympathise with the people of Iran, but nuclear weapons remain an utmost priority, adding that Iran would not be able to produce nuclear weapons until Trump is in power. “Nuclear proliferation, that is very much a bad thing and something an America First foreign policy should focus on,” Vance said. “That is certainly where the president is most worried about," Vance said.&nbsp;The comments of Vance followed as Steve Wtikoff is set to meet with Iranian officials in Oman on Friday. Iran has confirmed that it will only discuss its nuclear program, while US authorities have demanded that discussions include discussions on Tehran’s missile arsenal.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-cautions-trump-about-us-taiwan-arms-deal-in-phone-call-tapei-says-we-don-t-worry-too-much-1770273705901">China's Xi Jinping cautions Trump about US-Taiwan arms deal; Taipei says 'we don't worry too much'</a>

US Vice President JD Vance stressed that President Donald Trump’s agenda prioritises reducing the threat of nuclear weapons worldwide and said the president has “no interest” in repeating mistakes made during the Iraq conflict in the early 2000s.

US Vice President JD Vance cautioned that if Iran acquires a nuclear weapon, it will trigger a widespread nuclear arms race across the Middle Eastern powers. His statement came during an interview with Megyn Kelly released on Wednesday, describing it as a nuclear “quagmire”. “If the Iranians get a nuclear weapon, you know who gets a nuclear weapon, like the next day? The Saudi Arabians and then somebody else in the Gulf Arab states,” Vance said. Vance stressed that President Donald Trump’s agenda prioritises reducing the threat of nuclear weapons worldwide and said the president has “no interest” in repeating mistakes made during the Iraq conflict in the early 2000s. He added that Washington needs to strike a careful balance between diplomatic engagement and a firm stance. “Iran can’t have nuclear weapons. That is the stated policy goal of the president of the United States,” Vance said. “What the president is going to do is he is going to keep his options open. He’s going to talk to everybody. He’s going to try to accomplish what he can through nonmilitary means. If he feels like the military is the only option, then he’s ultimately going to choose that option," Vance added. WATCH: https://www.wionews.com/videos/nigeria-villages-in-central-northern-nigeria-hit-in-deadliest-attack-1770280588658/embedd Will Trump run Iran similarly to Venezuela? When Kelly questioned Vance about the future of Iran amid ongoing protests against the regime continue. She drew a parallel with a hypothetical situation in which the US captures Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, prompting speculation that Trump would then be running the country. Noting the comparison, Vance said in the interview, “The president is very aware of all of the stuff." “In a perfect world, I would love it if a bunch of freedom-loving Iranians … took over their own country and had a government that was much more friendly to the United States of America? … Absolutely that would be a good thing," he said. The vice-president added that Trump continues to sympathise with the people of Iran, but nuclear weapons remain an utmost priority, adding that Iran would not be able to produce nuclear weapons until Trump is in power. “Nuclear proliferation, that is very much a bad thing and something an America First foreign policy should focus on,” Vance said. “That is certainly where the president is most worried about," Vance said. The comments of Vance followed as Steve Wtikoff is set to meet with Iranian officials in Oman on Friday. Iran has confirmed that it will only discuss its nuclear program, while US authorities have demanded that discussions include discussions on Tehran’s missile arsenal. Also read: China's Xi Jinping cautions Trump about US-Taiwan arms deal; Taipei says 'we don't worry too much'

US Vice President JD Vance stressed that President Donald Trump’s agenda prioritises reducing the threat of nuclear weapons worldwide and said the president has “no interest” in repeating mistakes made during the Iraq conflict in the early 2000s.

'If Iran gets nuclear weapons...': JD Vance warns of regional nuke arms race, mentions Saudi Arabia

Pakistan&nbsp;will not&nbsp;take&nbsp;sides&nbsp;in the escalating&nbsp;confrontation&nbsp;between neighboring&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and the United States, its&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;minister&nbsp;said on Monday, following the killing of&nbsp;Iranian military commander <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-updates-on-iran-general-qassem-soleimanis-death-272457">Qasem Soleimani</a> in a&nbsp;US&nbsp;drone strike.

The killing puts&nbsp;Pakistan, which is majority Sunni Muslim but has a largely Shiite minority and is anxious to avoid any regional upheaval, in a sensitive position. An ally of Saudi Arabia, Tehran's arch regional foe,&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;has a complex relationship with&nbsp;Iran, with which it shares a long border.

Thousands of Shiite protesters marched in several&nbsp;Pakistani cities on Sunday to show solidarity with&nbsp;Iran. Some clashed with police in the southern city of Karachi when they attempted to march on the&nbsp;US&nbsp;consulate.

"We're clear that&nbsp;Pakistan's soil will not be used against any other state, and nor will&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;become a part of this regional conflict,"&nbsp;Foreign&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-foreign-minister-shah-mahmood-qureshi-calls-for-maximum-restraint-amid-west-asia-tensions-272497">Shah Mehmood Qureshi</a> told the upper house of parliament in a policy statement.

"Pakistan&nbsp;has&nbsp;taken a clear stance that&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;doesn't endorse any unilateral action," he said, in the government's first official response to the killing of Soleimani, the architect of efforts to extend&nbsp;Iran's influence across the region.

The killing has spurred fears of a major regional conflagration. On Monday hundreds of thousands of&nbsp;Iranians thronged Tehran's streets for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-will-be-a-war-crime-if-us-attacks-irans-cultural-sites-foreign-minister-zarif-272268">Soleimani's funeral</a> and his daughter said his death would bring a "dark day" for the United States.

"The Middle East was and is volatile and this region can’t afford another war. We are part of this region and when a fire erupts there,&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;can't escape," said Qureshi.

Pakistan&nbsp;is grappling with a severe economic crisis and facing heightened tensions with neighboring India. Its long land frontier with&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;is rife with cross-border militant activity.

Islamabad has also long had a tense relationship with the United States over the war in neighboring Afghanistan, where&nbsp;US&nbsp;officials have frequently accused it of supporting the Taliban, a charge&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;denies.

But it badly needs&nbsp;US&nbsp;support, both in handling its severe balance of payments problems and in dealing with its nuclear-armed neighbor India after the two came close to war last year.

Qureshi said he had discussed the regional situation with the&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;ministers of&nbsp;Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and others.

Pakistan&nbsp;receives aid and buys&nbsp;much of its oil from Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia, which is locked in a power struggle with Shiite&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;across a region where they back opposing&nbsp;sides&nbsp;in conflicts ranging from Syria to Yemen.

Qureshi said he feared Soleimani's death could trigger an&nbsp;upsurge in sectarian tensions, including in Afghanistan.

"We believe this could have a negative impact on Afghanistan, and that its peace process, where&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;has played an important role, could be affected and exploited by the spoilers," Qureshi said.

Pakistan will not take sides in the escalating confrontation between neighboring Iran and the United States, its foreign minister said on Monday, following the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike.

Pakistan will not take sides in the escalating confrontation between neighboring Iran and the United States, its foreign minister said on Monday, following the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike. The killing puts Pakistan, which is majority Sunni Muslim but has a largely Shiite minority and is anxious to avoid any regional upheaval, in a sensitive position. An ally of Saudi Arabia, Tehran's arch regional foe, Pakistan has a complex relationship with Iran, with which it shares a long border. Thousands of Shiite protesters marched in several Pakistani cities on Sunday to show solidarity with Iran. Some clashed with police in the southern city of Karachi when they attempted to march on the US consulate. "We're clear that Pakistan's soil will not be used against any other state, and nor will Pakistan become a part of this regional conflict," Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi told the upper house of parliament in a policy statement. "Pakistan has taken a clear stance that Pakistan doesn't endorse any unilateral action," he said, in the government's first official response to the killing of Soleimani, the architect of efforts to extend Iran's influence across the region. The killing has spurred fears of a major regional conflagration. On Monday hundreds of thousands of Iranians thronged Tehran's streets for Soleimani's funeral and his daughter said his death would bring a "dark day" for the United States. "The Middle East was and is volatile and this region can’t afford another war. We are part of this region and when a fire erupts there, Pakistan can't escape," said Qureshi. Pakistan is grappling with a severe economic crisis and facing heightened tensions with neighboring India. Its long land frontier with Iran is rife with cross-border militant activity. Islamabad has also long had a tense relationship with the United States over the war in neighboring Afghanistan, where US officials have frequently accused it of supporting the Taliban, a charge Pakistan denies. But it badly needs US support, both in handling its severe balance of payments problems and in dealing with its nuclear-armed neighbor India after the two came close to war last year. Qureshi said he had discussed the regional situation with the foreign ministers of Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and others. Pakistan receives aid and buys much of its oil from Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia, which is locked in a power struggle with Shiite Iran across a region where they back opposing sides in conflicts ranging from Syria to Yemen. Qureshi said he feared Soleimani's death could trigger an upsurge in sectarian tensions, including in Afghanistan. "We believe this could have a negative impact on Afghanistan, and that its peace process, where Pakistan has played an important role, could be affected and exploited by the spoilers," Qureshi said.

'Pakistan will not become part of US-Iran conflict': Pakistan Foreign Minister Qureshi

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