US seeks G20 support for economic isolation of Iran

The Donald Trump administration aims next week to secure the support of economic leaders of the world’s 20 largest economies for a policy package that will focus on boosting growth, reducing global imbalances, and addressing issues related to sovereign debt.

At the same time, Washington is expected to ask G20 countries to sever economic and financial ties with Iran, as part of the US effort to isolate Tehran economically.

The meeting will be held in Asheville, North Carolina, on August 31 and September 1. It will bring together finance ministers and central bank governors from G20 countries, who will be hosted by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

A senior US Treasury official said Iran will be among the main topics of the talks. According to him, the Trump administration will try to persuade member countries to cut economic ties with Tehran, while those that continue doing business with Iran may face punitive measures.

The meeting takes place at a time when US pressure on Iran has intensified. The United States has expanded sanctions and has warned that countries or companies that maintain economic relations with Tehran could be hit by secondary sanctions.

The G20 agenda will also include global economic growth, trade imbalances, sovereign debt, and strengthening supply chains, especially in the strategic areas of energy and critical resources.