EU joins 'Operation Economic Outcast' campaign against Iran: US Treasury Secretary
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent attends a media interview at the White House in Washington, DC on July 30, 2026. PHOTO: REUTERS
The European Union has officially joined the US’s economic pressure campaign, “Operation Economic Outcast”, against Iran, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent wrote.
In a post on X, Bessent said “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.”
Under @POTUS, this Administration is standing up for America’s students by ensuring racial discrimination has no place in American education. Schools rebranding race-based preferences as equitable, inclusive, or diversity-enhancing does not change their discriminatory nature.…
— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) September 3, 2026
“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.
Seoul weighs 'contributions' to Hormuz security: president's office
South Korea said that Seoul could contribute to the US security efforts in the Strait of Hormuz as long as its own military readiness is not compromised, AFP reported.
“Contributions to the Strait of Hormuz could be managed within limits that do not compromise military readiness,” a presidential official said, adding a review is still under way
South Korea preparing for Strait of Hormuz deployment: report
The South Korean military is making "concrete preparations" to deploy troops to the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report released on Thursday.
"We are making concrete preparations to dispatch naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz," a National Defense Ministry official told Australia's broadcaster SBS.
Read: Vance: US probing airstrike that Iran says hit a wedding party
The report said the deployment, which is underway, includes P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, an explosive ordnance disposal team and a logistics support ship.
The South Korean government previously expressed that it would pursue a deployment to the strait only after the US-Iran war ends.
It came after US President Donald Trump publicly criticized Seoul for refusing to take part in action against Iran, as the United States recently scaled back a military exercise with South Korea.
"I understand that discussions regarding base ports and operational bases are also underway with the relevant countries," a high-ranking military official was quoted by SBS.
The deployment requires a decision by the National Security Council (NSC), a resolution by a Cabinet meeting, and consent from the National Assembly.