US Treasury chief outlines three Iran scenarios as sanctions relief remains possible

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said Washington is considering three possible approaches on Iran: a negotiated deal, continued blockade and pressure, or renewed military action.

Speaking at the Reagan Economic Forum in California, he also suggested the Trump administration could ease some sanctions if progress is made in talks with Tehran, though any relief would be gradual and conditional, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

“We’ll see,” Bessent said when asked about maintaining the embargo, adding that any rollback would depend on “milestones” Iran would need to meet. He also warned sanctions could be tightened further if no agreement is reached.

Bessent said new measures were already imposed, including against airlines and financial targets, but noted that some restrictions could be lifted “to help the Iranian people.”

Iran remains under heavy US sanctions after Washington exited a nuclear deal in Trump’s first term. Tehran continues to demand sanctions relief as part of any new agreement.

Earlier, Trump said he was making a “final determination” on a possible ceasefire extension with Iran, though he has also rejected easing sanctions, saying there would be “no money, no nothing.”