US Treasury Secretary urges allies to back plan to curb Iran's economy

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned that America’s partners must make a clear choice about their alignment with U.S. policy, stating that allies will need to decide whether they “are with us or against us.” The remark was made during a press briefing in Washington on Thursday as the Treasury Department outlined a new round of financial measures aimed at curbing the flow of capital to entities deemed to be supporting hostile actions abroad. Yellen emphasized that coordinated sanctions and export controls are most effective when implemented by a united coalition, and she urged European and Indo‑Pacific partners to adopt a consistent stance on the issues at hand.

The Treasury secretary’s comments come amid heightened diplomatic pressure on countries that have been reluctant to join recent U.S. sanctions regimes targeting Russia’s war effort and Iran’s nuclear program. While some European Union members have signaled readiness to align with the new measures, others have expressed concerns about the economic repercussions for their own industries. Yellen’s statement underscores Washington’s intent to maintain a firm, collective approach and signals that future cooperation may hinge on the willingness of allies to match the United States’ resolve in enforcing financial restrictions.