Washington DC [US], March 31 (ANI): Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, senior US officials have issued strong statements on Washington’s military objectives and the future of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a passage that carries nearly one-fifth of global oil shipments.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in an interview with Fox News that the United States intends to “retake control” of the strait to ensure freedom of navigation. He noted that while some countries are currently making individual arrangements with Iran to pass through, Washington ultimately plans to reassert control—either through US naval escorts or a multinational effort. He added that maritime traffic is gradually increasing despite ongoing tensions.
Echoing a more forceful stance, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in an interview with ABC News that American operations have already inflicted significant damage on Iran’s naval forces and defence infrastructure. According to Rubio, the US has weakened Iran’s missile capabilities and aims to dismantle its ability to produce new weapons, describing Iran as being at its “weakest point.” He stressed that the US would not allow Iran to control the Strait of Hormuz “in perpetuity” and asserted that Washington expects to achieve its objectives “in a matter of weeks, not months.”
Rubio also warned against Iran’s reported plans to impose a tolling system in the strait, stating that multiple options remain available to prevent Tehran from asserting long-term control. He added that military decisions would fall under the authority of the Department of Defense.
US President Donald Trump has further escalated rhetoric, threatening to target Iran’s civilian energy infrastructure—including power plants, oil wells, and Kharg Island—if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In a social media post, Trump warned of “completely obliterating” key facilities if a deal is not reached soon, while also claiming that “serious discussions” are underway with what he described as a “new and more reasonable” leadership in Tehran.
Trump expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations, saying progress has been made through both direct and indirect channels, including intermediaries reportedly linked to Pakistan. He also cited the recent passage of oil tankers through the strait as a positive sign. However, he tied the continuation of maritime traffic directly to diplomatic progress, urging Iran to keep the waterway “Open for Business.”
On the Iranian side, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei denied any direct talks with the United States, stating that Tehran has only received messages through intermediaries. He criticized Washington’s shifting stance on diplomacy and said global trust in US claims remains limited. Baghaei also clarified that Iran did not participate in a recent four-nation meeting in Islamabad involving regional powers.
The developments come as the US-Iran conflict enters its second month, with heightened military activity and rising concerns over global energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the crisis, with any disruption posing significant risks to international oil supply and economic stability. (ANI)
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