Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States’ maximum economic pressure campaign on Iran has sent the regime into “crisis” during an appearance Wednesday on “Kudlow.”

The effort, known as Operation Economic Fury, is aimed at crippling Tehran’s financial lifelines by seizing Iranian assets, freezing bank accounts and pressuring foreign governments to cut ties with the nation.

“We are freezing bank accounts everywhere. More importantly, we are making people less willing to deal with the regime,” Bessent said.

“We can see that every day, it is more pressure on the regime. The retirement funds that they thought that they had outside of Iran, we are freezing. We’re holding those for the Iranian people. Same with all their villas in the south of France and all over the world, and we are going to track them down.”

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A street money exchanger poses for a photo without showing his face as he counts Iranian banknotes at a commercial district in downtown Tehran, Iran, Dec. 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi, File / Associated Press)

Bessent reported the Treasury Department has seized nearly $500 million in Iranian cryptocurrency assets, adding that the seizures are being carried out on behalf of the Iranian people.

The treasury secretary explained the United States’ aggressive economic campaign against Iran has been over a year in the making, but the United States is “sprinting” toward the finish line.

President Donald Trump ordered the Treasury Department to launch the campaign in March 2025, which Bessent said helped push Iran toward an economic standstill in December, when the nation’s largest bank collapsed.

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“That created massive inflation. Their currency is down about 60 or 70% versus the U.S. dollar, so they’re in the middle of a currency crisis,” he said.

Bessent said the Treasury Department recently received orders to intensify economic pressure on Iran, prompting the agency to send warnings to buyers of Iranian oil.

Tankers are seen at the Khor Fakkan Container Terminal, the only natural deep-sea port in the region and one of the major container ports in the Sharjah Emirate, along the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which one-fifth of global oil output pass (Giuseppe Cacace/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

“President Trump told me three weeks ago to up the pressure again,” he told FOX Business. “We have gone to the buyers of Iranian oil and told them that… we are willing to do secondary sanctions on your industries, on your banks who tolerate Iranian oil in their system.”

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Bessent argued that the combination of Operation Economic Fury and the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz will inflict permanent damage on Tehran’s economy.

“The port at Kharg Island is at a virtual standstill in terms of loadings,” he said. “We think that the Iranian storage will be full soon. They’ll have to start capping in their wells, which will lead to permanent problems.”

He warned that the pressure campaign could leave Iran unable to fund its military and proxies.

Scott Bessent says the Treasury Department has seized nearly $500 million worth of Iran’s crypto assets. (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

“The regime won’t be able to pay their soldiers, and equally important, is they won’t be able to fund their proxies, whether it’s Hezbollah, Hamas, around the world. One of President Trump’s goals in this was to stop Iran’s ability to project terrorist power around the world.”

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Bessent said the Treasury’s economic pressure campaign will continue as U.S.-Iran negotiations stall.

“We are going to continue this — the economic pressure as well as the block on the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.

Nearly 13,000 toddler towers across three brands were recalled after dozens of incidents and 21 injuries were reported due to the stools collapsing or tipping, according to federal regulators.

The three affected products — Toetol Tower Stools, Wiifo Children’s Tower Stools and Amzcmj DGD Children’s Tower Stools — total about 12,830 stools, according to notices from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The recall covers about 3,000 Toetol Tower Stools, 9,700 Wiifo Children’s Tower Stools and 130 Amzcmj DGD Children’s Tower Stools.

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Nearly 13,000 toddler towers across three brands were recalled. (Consumer Product Safety Commission)

“The recalled tower stools can collapse or tip over while in use and a child’s torso can fit through the openings on the tower’s sides, posing a risk of serious injury and death due to tip over, fall and entrapment hazards,” the notices read.

For the Toetol Tower Stools, there have been 18 reports of the stools collapsing, resulting in 11 injuries, including contusions, cuts and scrapes.

The wooden kitchen tower step stools were sold in white, gray and dark wood colors and measure about 20 inches deep, 15 inches wide and 36 inches tall with model DETD0001 printed on a label on the side. They were sold online on Amazon from October 2024 through March 2026 for about $130.

The recall covers about 3,000 Toetol Tower Stools, 9,700 Wiifo Children’s Tower Stools and 130 Amzcmj DGD Children’s Tower Stools. (REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz / Reuters)

Wiifo Children’s Tower Stools had 22 incidents of stools collapsing, leading to six injuries, including contusions and scrapes.

These stools were sold in white, natural and light wood finishes, measuring about 18 inches deep, 18 inches wide and 34 inches tall with model LT005 printed on a label on the underside of the platform. The stools were sold on Amazon.com from June 2022 through March 2026 for about $60.

Amzcmj DGD Children’s Tower Stools had seven incidents of children falling from the stool or becoming entrapped, causing four injuries, such as contusions, splinters, and scrapes.

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The stools were all manufactured in China and sold online on Amazon. (REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo / Reuters Photos)

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These products were sold online on Amazon from February 2025 through March 2026 for between $85 and $100. The stools measure about 15 inches deep, 22 inches wide and 34 inches tall. They can be folded and converted into a table and a chair, and they also have a blackboard. The brand name is printed on the item’s order receipt.

All three stool products were manufactured in China.

Consumers who purchased any of these stools should stop using them and immediately contact the appropriate company for a full refund, the commission said.

US Central Command has prepared a plan for a wave of “short and powerful” strikes on Iran in a moved aimed to break the deadlock in negotiations with Tehran, news site Axios reported. The BBC has contacted US Central Command and the White House for comment.

LOS ANGELES — Olivia Wilde has sparked widespread online discussion after appearing noticeably slimmer in recent public appearances, prompting the actress and director to open up about the lifestyle changes, new movie preparation and wellness routines behind her dramatic weight loss in 2026.

The 42-year-old star, known for roles in “House,” “Tron: Legacy” and directing “Don’t Worry Darling,” addressed the topic during a candid interview published this week. Wilde revealed she lost approximately 25 pounds over the past several months through a combination of disciplined training, dietary adjustments and mental wellness practices while preparing for an upcoming high-profile film role.

“I feel stronger and healthier than I have in years,” Wilde told reporters. “This wasn’t about chasing a certain look for the red carpet. It was about getting my body and mind in peak condition for a physically demanding character and for my own well-being as a mom of two.”

Sources close to the production of her next project, a thriller requiring intense physical sequences, confirmed that Wilde worked with a specialized trainer focusing on functional strength, mobility and endurance. Her routine reportedly included a mix of Pilates, high-intensity interval training, hiking in the Hollywood Hills and daily movement practices designed to build lean muscle while reducing body fat.

Nutrition also played a major role. Wilde adopted a mostly plant-based eating plan rich in vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates. She emphasized sustainable habits rather than restrictive dieting, incorporating meal prepping, hydration tracking and occasional treats to maintain balance. The actress credited working with a functional medicine nutritionist who helped address inflammation and optimize her energy levels.

Wilde has been open in the past about the pressures of Hollywood’s beauty standards, particularly as a woman in her 40s navigating acting, directing and motherhood. In recent years she has spoken about body positivity and rejecting unrealistic expectations. Her current transformation appears driven more by performance needs and personal health goals than external validation.

Close friends say the changes began after Wilde wrapped a previous project and decided to prioritize self-care. Regular yoga sessions, meditation and improved sleep hygiene complemented her physical training. She has also reduced alcohol consumption and focused on stress management techniques, factors she says contributed significantly to her results.

The visible change first drew attention at a recent industry event where Wilde appeared toned and radiant in a fitted gown. Social media users quickly commented on the difference, with some praising her dedication and others speculating about more extreme measures. Wilde addressed the rumors directly, stating she did not use medication, surgery or fad diets.

“I want young women and mothers especially to know that sustainable change comes from consistency and self-compassion, not punishment,” she said. “There is no magic pill. It’s about showing up for yourself every day.”

Wilde shares two children with ex-partner Jason Sudeikis. She has emphasized maintaining energy for her kids as a key motivation. Family hikes, active playtime and modeling healthy habits have become central to her approach. The actress continues balancing a busy career with co-parenting while pursuing directing opportunities that challenge her creatively and physically.

Industry observers note that Wilde’s openness about her journey stands out in an era when many celebrities remain vague about weight loss methods. By sharing practical details, she has inspired discussions about realistic fitness goals for women over 40. Fitness experts applaud her balanced method, warning that rapid or extreme weight loss can be unsustainable and potentially harmful.

Wilde’s previous roles have often required physical preparation, but this latest shift feels more holistic. Friends describe her as more grounded and energized than in previous years. Her upcoming project, which involves action sequences and emotional depth, reportedly demanded a higher level of fitness than previous work.

The topic has generated significant media coverage and social conversation. Supporters praise Wilde for transparency, while some critics question whether such public discussions place unnecessary pressure on women. Mental health advocates use the moment to highlight the importance of sustainable approaches over quick fixes.

As Wilde continues her wellness journey, she plans to share more through her social channels and potential future interviews. For now, her focus remains on the upcoming film and enjoying time with her children. The actress has expressed gratitude for the support while encouraging fans to prioritize health over appearance.

Olivia Wilde’s recent transformation reflects broader conversations about women’s health, aging in Hollywood and the balance between career demands and personal well-being. Whether her approach inspires lasting change for others remains to be seen, but her message of consistency and self-care resonates strongly in today’s wellness landscape.

The coming months will likely bring more details as Wilde promotes her new project. For fans and followers, her story serves as both entertainment and motivation — proof that meaningful change is possible at any stage of life when approached with dedication and compassion.