In what can only be described as a textbook move from the Trump playbook, the administration has transitioned its strategy towards Iran from military strikes to a full-on economic stranglehold. President Trump, always the maestro of the bold statement, has declared Iran a “failing nation,” which might sound like a gentle understatement considering the regime’s crumbling infrastructure and deteriorating economy. This shift from bombs to bucks is aimed at severing Iran’s financial arteries, specifically its oil revenue, an audacious plan labeled by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as an “economic D-Day.” The objective is clear: cut off Iran’s finances and their grip over the region gets loosened.
The task, however, requires some international teamwork. Secretary Bessent is making the rounds with the G20 finance leaders, rallying support for this economic blitz. It’s like a global call to join the fight without actually firing a single missile. This weekend’s meetings are likely to be a display of hearty handshakes and firm nodding as the message is pounded home—you’re either with us or against us. Expected to echo this sentiment at the UN General Assembly next month is Ambassador Mike Waltz. He’s poised to remind nations of their collective responsibility, and perhaps sprinkle in a not-so-gentle reminder about the consequences of crossing paths with Uncle Sam.
But let’s not sugarcoat the complexities here; it’s going to take some herculean effort to plug the economic leaks that Iran has clandestinely enjoyed. Until now, some countries have looked the other way. But the world has been put on notice: it’s time to close those loopholes and start checking under the proverbial bed for shell companies and the like, because the Trump administration means business. Literally.
Meanwhile, there’s a lesser-known drama unfolded between the UN and New York City involving Mayor Zoran Momdani. It might not be headline-grabbing, but keeping over 35,000 diplomats safe and ensuring the Big Apple isn’t swallowed by the chaos of international traffic congestion does require planning. The real kicker here is the UN’s hefty financial contribution to the city, though one wonders if a bit of that is hush money so New Yorkers don’t grumble too much about their traffic woes.
And as if that wasn’t enough global intrigue for one week, eyes turned towards Moscow, where CIA Director John Ratcliffe had a little chat with intelligence officials—just casual talk about Russia’s interesting friendship with Iran. Let’s face it, Vladimir Putin is playing a high-stakes chess game, but even he must know better than trying to put his pieces in a position that makes Trump reach for a red phone. With Russia allegedly supplying Iran while Iran sends flying fireworks into Ukraine, Trump’s approach stands as a global babysitting gig on an international scale. Everyone needs to get on board or be left off the gravy train. This is diplomacy in 2023, folks. Buckle up; it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
