U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatened on Thursday that the United States would launch the greatest coordinated economic isolation in world history against Iran, while the Iranian side expressed strong condemnation, denouncing the sanctions as "economic terrorism."
Speaking in an interview, Bessent said further details about the plan would be announced at a press conference next Monday.
His remarks came a day after President Donald Trump warned that any country providing "any type of lifeline" to Iran would face severe economic consequences.
On the same day, Iran's Foreign Ministry issued a statement slamming the United States for imposing extensive economic and commercial sanctions against the country.
The statement describes the sanctions as "economic terrorism" and a "crime against humanity," saying they target the fundamental human rights of every Iranian citizen.
It adds that Iran remains steadfast in defending its security and national interests, and will continue to confront America's military, economic, political and psychological pressures.
US threatens historic economic isolation against Iran, Tehran denounces move as "economic terrorism"
US threatens historic economic isolation against Iran, Tehran denounces move as "economic terrorism"
US threatens historic economic isolation against Iran, Tehran denounces move as "economic terrorism"
The ninth Paris Peace Forum took place in the French capital from Tuesday to Wednesday, calling for reinforced multilateral cooperation to confront global challenges across security, climate, technology and development.
Held under the theme "From sovereignty to cooperation," the two-day forum gathered more than 350 global speakers across more than 80 discussion sessions. The agenda spanned four primary tracks: peace and geopolitics, the planet, development, and emerging technologies. Alongside the main event, organizers held a "Child Summit" focused on children's welfare amid global shifts.
Organizers said this year's forum was held in a backdrop of strain on multilateral institutions and international law, arguing that nations must strengthen mutual cooperation while preserving sovereignty to effectively address worldwide crises.
In a video speech delivered at the opening session, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described sovereignty as a core principle of the UN Charter, while noting that cooperation remains essential for nations to safeguard their own sovereignty. Guterres called on the international community to build a networked, multipolar world grounded in international law.
Addressing the tension between safeguarding sovereignty and pursuing multilateralism, Cui Hongjian, a professor at the Academy of Regional and Global Governance at Beijing Foreign Studies University, warned against rising unilateralism.
"Currently, some countries are pursuing many unilateralist, or even hegemonic policies. As a result, for many nations, the issue of how to enhance their own capabilities -- especially the capability to safeguard and defend their sovereignty -- has become rather urgent. On the other hand, however, the enhancement and strengthening of sovereignty should not contradict international cooperation," Cui said.
This year's forum also placed particular emphasis on cooperation regarding critical mineral resources. Experts noted that as long-standing major suppliers of mineral resources, countries of the Global South still need stronger voice and protection of their interests in international resource cooperation, calling for more open and inclusive mechanisms to help them better participate in global industrial and supply chains.
"As a representative country of the Global South, China has actually made substantial policy, financial, and industrial investments over the years, both in strengthening trade and industrial cooperation with other Global South countries and in promoting green and digital transformation," Cui said.
Launched in 2018, the Paris Peace Forum serves as an international platform for states, international organizations, and non-governmental actors to advance global governance solutions.
9th Paris Peace Forum urges global cooperation amid rising pressures on multilateralism
