US treasury chief claims 'defections' underway within Iranian regime

2026-03-20 - 06:19

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has asserted that the Iranian regime is showing signs of internal collapse, claiming that officials are beginning to defect as Washington and Tel Aviv ramp up their joint military campaign against Tehran. The remarks, made during a Fox News interview, represent the most explicit US official commentary on the stability of Iran's leadership since the offensive began. "We're starting to see defections throughout the regime," Bessent stated, suggesting that the combination of military pressure and financial targeting is yielding results. He indicated that US authorities are closely monitoring the situation, adding, "We will hold them and see who comes forward in terms of defections." The treasury chief framed the developments as evidence that popular support for the government is eroding. Kharg Island Oil Terminal Targeted in Bombing Campaign Bessent also provided details on recent military operations, confirming that US forces conducted a bombing campaign last week focused on Kharg Island, Iran's primary oil export terminal. He described President Donald Trump as having been "laser focused" on the strategic facility, which handles a significant portion of the country's crude shipments. "The military assets on Kharg Island were destroyed," Bessent said, painting a grim picture of the aftermath. He alleged that oil workers are now being "coerced" into remaining at their posts under deteriorating conditions. In a striking comment, Bessent raised the possibility of the US seizing the territory, stating, "We will see what happens with whether that eventually becomes a US asset." Regional War Escalates Following Feb. 28 Offensive The US official's statements come against the backdrop of a rapidly expanding conflict. Since Israel and the US launched joint attacks against Iran on Feb. 28, the death toll has mounted dramatically. Reports indicate that more than 1,200 people have been killed, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Among the dead are over 150 children who perished in an airstrike on a girls' elementary school, an incident that has drawn international condemnation. In retaliation, Tehran has unleashed a barrage of drone and missile strikes targeting what it describes as "US assets" across the region. These counterstrikes have hit locations in Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and several Gulf countries, signaling Iran's willingness to expand the theater of war beyond its borders. As both sides brace for further escalation, Bessent's comments suggest Washington is preparing for a prolonged campaign aimed at fundamentally reshaping Iran's political and economic infrastructure.