EU Joins U.S. “Operation Economic Outcast” Against Iran

Synopsis

The European Union has “officially joined” the U.S.- led "Operation Economic Outcast" against Iran, welcoming the bloc’s strong and early stance in maintaining economic pressure on Tehran as the West Asia conflict continues.

Bessent’s Statement

Scott Bessent said in a post on X. “The European Union has officially joined Operation Economic Outcast, and we appreciate their strong and early stance.”

He said the United States and its allies were working to prevent what he called the “murderous Iranian regime” from using the global financial system to finance its nuclear ambitions, weapons programs and “terror proxies.” Bessent said, “The world is sending a clear message to the Iranian regime: We will not stop until every remaining financial lifeline has been severed.”

Bessent launched Operation Economic Outcast on August 25, 2026, under a directive from U.S. President Donald Trump. The sanctions campaign targeted about 60 individuals, entities and vessels, as well as financial, oil and shipping networks linked to Iran.

At the time, Bessent said the campaign was designed to cut the “economic lifeline” supporting the Iranian government and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, warning Tehran that it faced deeper global isolation or a path toward reintegration into the world economy.

European Union’s Remarks

The EU said that it was ready to support additional economic pressure on Iran, including through the U.S.-led operation, while stressing the need for continued diplomatic efforts and de-escalation.

The EU said in a statement shared by Bessent, “The European Union has consistently urged Iran to curb its nuclear programme, and its ballistic missile programme, refrain from destabilizing activities in the region and in Europe, stop its military support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and cease the violence and repression against its own people.”

The bloc said it believes continued diplomatic efforts are necessary to reach a peace settlement, restore regional stability and ensure full freedom of navigation and safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz.”

The EU also said that it had already adopted extensive sanctions aimed at preventing Iran from exploiting the global economy and financial system to sustain what it described as hostile actions and undermine international security.

The EU further added, “It remains ready to take further measures, where necessary, to safeguard its security and interests, including freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.”

The bloc welcomed efforts aimed at ensuring Iran ceases its destabilizing activities and engages in peace negotiations “in good faith”, adding that this could include additional economic pressure through Operation Economic Outcast.

South Korea on Hormuz

South Korea is also weighing options including military assistance to support the U.S. bid to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping.

The government, however, denied local media reports that a decision has already been made, saying "details related to the issue have yet to be decided."

Several South Korean media outlets reported that Seoul was preparing to send troops to the Gulf region before year-end, and could seek parliamentary approval as soon as this month.

The consideration came as Washington has expressed dissatisfaction with Seoul's reluctance to offer military assistance in its war against Iran, including by scaling back an annual joint military drill last month and cancelling a landing drill scheduled for September.