Treasury secretary defends U.S. military actions in Iran and says escalation can lead to de-escalation

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended recent U.S. strikes on Iran and supported President Trump's 48-hour warning about the Strait of Hormuz; Iran warned it would retaliate if energy infrastructure is attacked.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended recent U.S. strikes on Iran's infrastructure and supported President Trump's public warning about the Strait of Hormuz. The comments came amid a wider U.S.-Israel operation that began in February and amid moves to ease some sanctions on stranded Iranian oil. Iran's military publicly warned it would respond if fuel and energy infrastructure were attacked. Domestic criticism followed the remarks, with at least one senator saying the situation is escalating. Key points: - Scott Bessent said escalation can be necessary to de-escalate and defended the administration's public rhetoric. - President Trump issued a 48-hour warning to Iranian leadership about reopening the Strait of Hormuz. - Iran's military warned it would retaliate if energy or related infrastructure is struck. - The Treasury announced easing of some sanctions to permit sales of stranded Iranian oil, which officials said would add supply to markets. Summary: The statements by U.S. officials and Iran's warning underscore heightened tensions and ongoing effects on energy markets. The administration's choices on military, diplomatic and economic measures have drawn criticism from some lawmakers. Undetermined at this time.