On Saturday, Trump threatened to destroy Iranian energy facilities if Tehran did not fully open the Strait of Hormuz, just one day after saying that Washington was close to achieving its goals and that he was considering “gradually” reducing US military efforts against the Iranian regime.
When asked on NBC's "Meet the Press" whether Trump was ending the war or escalating it, Bisent said, "The two are not mutually exclusive. Sometimes you have to escalate in order to de-escalate," adding, "That's the only language the Iranians understand.".
Closing the Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s threat to navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world’s gas and oil supplies pass, has led to a sharp rise in energy prices around the world.
In an effort to contain market turmoil, Bessent temporarily suspended U.S. sanctions on Iranian and Russian oil shipments on board ships.
However, this move has drawn some criticism, as some believe it will provide funding for Iran at a time when its war with the United States and Israel continues.
