U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has told the BBC a 'small bit of economic pain' is worthwhile for long-term international security. As the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned the US-Israel war with Iran could plunge the global economy into recession, Bessent said the conflict was to eliminate the threat of Iranian nuclear strikes on Western capitals. He remarked, 'I wonder what the hit to global GDP would be if a nuclear weapon hit London... I am saying that I am less concerned about short-term forecasts, for long-term security.' At the start of the war, Iran had uranium enriched to 60%, according to senior US officials. It does not have nuclear weapons. The UK government has stated that there is 'no assessment' that Iran is trying to target Europe with missiles. Bessent expressed that he was less concerned about the economic impacts than the risk posed by Iran to global security. 'The biggest risk you can take is one you don't know you were taking.' He pointed out that recent Iranian missile tests have revealed their capabilities to reach London, heightening the urgency for military action to mitigate potential nuclear threats. Bessent added, 'US and Israeli strikes had removed the 'tail risk' of Iranian nuclear strikes against Western countries.' The IMF forewarned that a prolonged conflict could lead to inflation, increased unemployment, and food insecurity in some regions. Moreover, it stated that if the conditions from this conflict were prolonged for two years, global growth might fall below 2%, signaling a worrying trend towards recession. Energy prices have soared since the war began, placing additional strain on the global economy. The IMF's forecasts stress the necessity for a timely resolution to prevent further economic decline and ensure stability in international security.