Bessent: US Will Regain Control Over the Strait of Hormuz

Istanbul (ANTARA) - US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that ultimately Washington will regain control over the Strait of Hormuz and restore freedom of navigation.

“Over time, the United States will reclaim control over that strait and there will be freedom of navigation, either through American escort or multinational,” Bessent told Fox News.

Regarding potential involvement of the Houthi group in Yemen and the situation in the Red Sea, Bessent dismissed concerns by saying that the Houthis have been in a “very quiet” state.

The blockade of the strait has driven up oil prices and triggered fears of prolonged economic disruptions.

US President Donald Trump previously issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran and threatened to attack power plants if Tehran did not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz. However, the ultimatum deadline was extended on the grounds of ongoing negotiations.

US and Israeli strikes against Iran began on 28 February 2026 and were reported to have killed at least 1,300 people, including the Supreme Leader at the time, Ali Khamenei.