US Aims to ‘Escalate to De-escalate’ in Iran, Official Says

US Official Outlines Strategy Amidst Iran Tensions

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent appeared on “Meet the Press” to discuss the United States’ evolving strategy concerning Iran. President Trump’s recent public statements, including a threat to “hit and obliterate” Iran’s power plants if the Strait of Hormuz was not opened within 48 hours, have raised questions about de-escalation. Bessent clarified that the President’s approach is intended to achieve specific goals, stating, “He has been very clear from the beginning that the goals are destroying the Iranian Air Force and the Navy to the completely demolish their missile capability, demolish their abilities to replenish those capabilities and make sure the Iranians cannot have a nuclear weapon and stop their ability to project power internationally.” He emphasized that the President will take necessary steps to meet these objectives.

Military Actions and Strategic Goals

Bessent detailed ongoing military operations, describing a campaign using assets to weaken Iranian fortifications along the Strait of Hormuz. He asserted that Iranian capabilities have been significantly degraded, with their air force and navy destroyed and missile systems and factories being dismantled. “Sometimes you have to escalate to de-escalate,” Bessent stated, explaining the rationale behind the administration’s actions. He also addressed the possibility of using troops to secure areas like Kharg Island, noting that “all options are on the table” as President Trump prefers to keep strategic moves unpredictable.

Sanctions and Economic Strategy

The interview also focused on the Treasury Department’s decision to lift sanctions on Iranian oil stored on tankers, a move that could allow Iran access to significant revenue. Bessent defended this action, explaining it as a tactical maneuver. “We are jujitsu-ing the Iranians. We are using their own oil against them,” he said. The strategy, he argued, gives the U.S. better oversight of where the oil is going, allowing for potential account blockages. He countered the reported $14 billion figure as “grossly overstated” and argued that allowing oil sales at lower prices, rather than allowing Iran to profit from high global prices, is more beneficial. “It’s better to have them where they are now,” Bessent stated, explaining that this approach prevents oil from being recycled through entities like China, where U.S. oversight is limited.

Impact on Global Oil Markets and Consumers

Bessent addressed concerns about the impact on consumers, particularly the airline industry’s predictions of high oil prices. He explained that the U.S. is largely energy-sufficient and that global oil supplies are robust, partly due to actions like the release of strategic reserves by multiple countries. “We have not seen this massive spike as we did during the beginning of Russia and Ukraine,” he noted. He suggested that any temporary price increases would be offset by long-term security, including preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. “There is no prosperity without security,” Bessent asserted, promising that elevated prices would eventually subside.

Russia Sanctions and Funding War Efforts

The discussion touched upon the administration’s use of oil sanctions against Russia and the perceived contradiction with the Iran strategy. Bessent reiterated that the goal is to limit Russia’s revenue. “Does Russia get more money if oil goes to $150 and they get 70% of that? That’s $105 or if oil stays below a hundred? They get less money,” he reasoned. He claimed that the additional revenue Russia could gain from higher prices is minimal compared to its overall budget. Bessent also defended the need for supplemental funding for the current conflict, emphasizing President Trump’s commitment to a strong military and stating that tax increases are not under consideration.

Presidential Conduct and Public Reaction

The interview concluded with a question regarding President Trump’s controversial social media post celebrating the death of Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Bessent deflected a direct answer, instead highlighting the personal toll the investigations have taken on the President and his family. “It is impossible for either of us to understand what he has been through,” Bessent stated, suggesting empathy for the President’s situation.

Source: Scott Bessent says the U.S. needs to ‘escalate to de-escalate’ in Iran: Full interview (YouTube)