US Treasury Secretary Claims Secret Talks with China on Iran, Cites UAE Financial Freeze
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on Tuesday during a congressional hearing that the United Arab Emirates has informed the U.S. of its decision to cease financial and commercial dealings with Iran. Bessent indicated that a Treasury official has been in the UAE holding discussions with their financial system. This assertion comes as the U.S. seeks to address economic challenges attributed by some to the Trump administration’s foreign policy decisions concerning Iran.
Bessent further elaborated on recent actions, referencing the sanctions imposed two weeks prior on branches of an Egyptian bank in Dubai, which he claimed facilitated over $1.8 billion in transfers to Iran during 2025. He also highlighted ongoing confidential negotiations with China concerning Beijing’s financial relationship with Tehran. Bessent is scheduled to meet with his Chinese counterpart later in the week to continue these dialogues.
The hearing was intermittently disrupted by protestors denouncing the Trump administration’s policies towards Iran and Cuba. One demonstrator, holding a sign, vocally accused Bessent of being a war criminal and demanded an end to sanctions on Iran. Another protester, with a sign stating ‘Sanctions Kill Cubans,’ asserted that U.S. sanctions are responsible for the deaths of millions of women and children.
Following the removal of the protestors, Bessent, addressing what he anticipates will be electoral setbacks for his Republican party in the upcoming midterm elections, attempted to contextualize his country’s foreign policy challenges despite substantial financial investment in actions against Tehran. He suggested that Iran’s economy is facing difficulties, with its currency experiencing a decline and citizens enduring long queues for gasoline, citing these as indicators of economic hardship.
