US treasury secretary says blockade on Iranian ports a ‘resounding success’
5/14/2026 3:17:33 PM
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said the US’s one-month blockade of Iranian ports has “been a resounding success”, applying severe pressure on Iran’s government.
In an interview with US news channel CNBC, Bessent said the best way to deal with Iran’s government is to “squeeze them economically”.
“None of their ships are getting out, none are coming in, so they’re not able to store oil on the waters, so they’re going to start shutting down production”, he claimed.
“We believe we’re at the point where soldiers aren’t getting paid,” Bessent continued. “They’re not able to replenish their weapons stocks from abroad. So, I think that they are on their last legs.”
In an interview with US news channel CNBC, Bessent said the best way to deal with Iran’s government is to “squeeze them economically”.
“None of their ships are getting out, none are coming in, so they’re not able to store oil on the waters, so they’re going to start shutting down production”, he claimed.
“We believe we’re at the point where soldiers aren’t getting paid,” Bessent continued. “They’re not able to replenish their weapons stocks from abroad. So, I think that they are on their last legs.”