Treasury Secretary Bessent Says U.S. Controls Strait of Hormuz Amid Ongoing Tensions

Remarks come as U.S. officials emphasize maritime access and economic pressure on Iran during regional conflict.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

Scott Bessent said Monday that the United States maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz, rejecting claims that Iran has effectively restricted shipping through the critical waterway.

Speaking during an appearance on America’s Newsroom, Bessent responded to questions from Bill Hemmer regarding the status of maritime traffic following reports that U.S.-flagged vessels had recently passed through the strait.

“Yes. So, let’s level set here,” Bessent said. “I think the Iranians are starting to believe their own propaganda.” He added that Iranian leadership was “hunkered down in bunkers all over the country” and suggested they were not fully aware of current developments.

Bessent described Iran’s naval capabilities as diminished, stating, “Their navy is not a navy anymore. It’s a band of pirates.” He said Iranian actions aimed at restricting access to the strait were being countered by U.S. operations.

“They are trying to cut off international freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and the U.S. is opening that up. This is a humanitarian effort,” he said.

Bessent also cited international concerns raised during recent global financial meetings. “I can tell you two weeks ago was IMF World Bank Week in Washington, and I had numerous countries come up to me, some of the poorest, some of the most vulnerable, and asked us to do this,” he said.

He emphasized the broader economic importance of the shipping route, noting that it is used not only for energy transport but also for fertilizer, food supplies, and liquefied petroleum gas relied upon by large populations.

“So, we are saying the Iranians do not have control of the Strait. We have absolute control of the strait,” Bessent said. “We have blockaded the ships going into or out of Iranian ports. Their economy is in freefall.”

The Strait of Hormuz is a key global transit corridor, handling a significant portion of the world’s energy shipments, and has been at the center of escalating tensions between the United States and Iran in recent weeks.