Iran Targets De-Dollarization to Counter U.S. Economic Pressure

Qalibaf characterized the latest U.S. measures as a form of cognitive warfare designed to destabilize Iran through economic strangulation. By urging Iraq to abandon the U.S. dollar in bilateral trade, Tehran aims to build a financial perimeter that bypasses Western oversight. This strategy reflects a long-standing Iranian objective: decoupling national security from the volatility of international sanctions.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently signaled that these heightened restrictions are intended to curb Iran’s regional influence without requiring direct military intervention. Qalibaf dismissed this framing, asserting that such policies are merely a modern method for resource extraction. His visit to Baghdad underscores a tactical move to cement Iran's economic alliances with neighbors, prioritizing regional integration to mitigate the cost of ongoing isolation.