During a Senate Banking Committee hearing on February 5, 2026, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reported a significant surge in capital flight by Iran's ruling elite, highlighting that they are “wiring money out like crazy.” He described the actions of the Iranian leadership as evidence that “the rats are leaving the ship,” suggesting a growing concern over the stability of the regime amid widespread protests and international pressure.

Bessent's comments reflect a deteriorating situation in Iran, where unrest sparked by economic grievances has escalated into demands for regime change. Protests, which erupted late last year over the plummeting value of the Iranian rial, have seen brutal crackdowns by security forces, reportedly resulting in thousands of deaths.

The Treasury Secretary vowed that the U.S. would trace the funds being moved out of Iran, emphasizing that these leaders would not be able to hide their assets indefinitely. “What we do at Treasury is follow the money,” Bessent stated, connected to efforts to monitor wealth being transferred internationally.

Reports indicate that considerable sums, estimated to be in the realm of $1.5 billion, have been sent to escrow accounts in Dubai, allegedly transmitted via cryptocurrency to circumvent banking restrictions. Bessent confirmed that the Treasury is actively tracking these transactions to prevent evasion of sanctions and ensure accountability.

The ongoing protests and governmental crackdown present a volatile scenario in Iran, further complicated by threats from the U.S. of military intervention if the situation does not improve. As the leadership grapples with dissent and economic collapse, the financial maneuvers of its elite signal an urgent need for political reassessment and engagement with international norms.