U.S. Treasury Secretary outlines three possible outcomes of Iran negotiations

WASHINGTON – U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said there are three possible outcomes from negotiations between the U.S. and Iran on outstanding issues.

’ There are three scenarios: we reach a deal; we fail to reach a deal but maintain the blockade and continue pressuring them; or we return to military action,’ Bessent said at the Reagan Economic Forum 2026 on Friday.

He assessed that prolonged pressure would further worsen Iran’s situation.

Moreover, the U.S. Treasury Department is prepared to impose additional sanctions on Iran and still has several financial targets that can be restricted.

According to him, Washington has many ways to intensify pressure on Tehran.

On 28 February, the U.S. and Israel conducted strikes on multiple Iranian targets, causing damage and civilian casualties.

Washington and Tehran subsequently announced a two-week ceasefire on 7 April.

Further talks in Islamabad concluded without a clear outcome, while the U.S. began imposing a blockade on Iranian ports.

Earlier this week, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that key issues regarding Iran’s nuclear programme and reopening the Strait of Hormuz remain unresolved.

However, Trump said both countries had agreed on other, less important issues.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said on Friday that a final agreement with the U.S. depends on Washington halting excessive demands and ceasing conflicting actions.