Bisant Hints at Possible Easing of Sanctions on Iran Under Conditions

SadaNews -

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bisant hinted that the administration of President Donald Trump may lift some sanctions imposed on Iran, depending on the progress of ongoing negotiations with Tehran.

When asked whether the United States would maintain the financial and economic bans imposed on Iran, Bisant replied, "We will see about that." His statements came on Friday during a Q&A session following a pre-prepared speech at the Reagan National Economic Forum in Simi Valley, California.

Potential "Gradual" Easing of Sanctions

Bisant stated (referring to the potential lifting of sanctions on Iran), "Anything that will be lifted will be done slowly." He added that there would be "key benchmarks that the Iranian regime must meet" within any agreement involving easing sanctions. He also noted that the administration might tighten sanctions if a deal was not imminent.

Iran has been subjected to stringent economic sanctions since President Donald Trump withdrew from the agreement that constrained its nuclear program during his first term. Tehran has consistently demanded the lifting of sanctions as one of its conditions for reaching an agreement with the United States.

Earlier on Friday, Trump stated that he would make a "final decision" regarding a preliminary deal to extend the ceasefire with Iran.

Bisant also mentioned, "We imposed additional sanctions yesterday on airlines, and we have some other financial targets. There is a lot we can do if we have to, and there are some things we can lift to help the Iranian people."

Trump had also downplayed the likelihood of easing sanctions on Iran this week, saying, "We are not talking about any easing of sanctions, no money, no nothing."

Trump Coin

Regarding U.S. economic issues, Bisant stated that he agrees "100%" with Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh about abandoning forward guidance on monetary policy.

He added, "I believe we will see a new leader in the Federal Reserve." He continued, "We will return to fundamentals in terms of accountability and credibility, and look, what is the goal of the Federal Reserve?"

Bisant also noted that the Treasury Department will mint a coin bearing Trump’s image in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. He had earlier defended the idea of placing Trump’s image on a special $250 bill, a move that requires congressional approval.

Bisant said, "For the 150th anniversary, there was a coin featuring Calvin Coolidge." He added, "We will place President Trump’s image on a coin."