Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent talking with CNBC on Aug. 4th, 2026.
CNBC
The U.S. will probably be making use of financial measures “which have by no means been seen on Iran,” based on Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
“It will likely be a mix of financial isolation like the world has by no means seen earlier than, and the continued blockade in the Strait of Hormuz that can preserve something from entering into or out of the Iranian ports,” Bessent mentioned in an interview with Newsmax, with out elaborating additional.
His statements come as U.S. Protection Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly mentioned late Thursday stateside that the U.S. army can preserve a naval blockade of Iran going “indefinitely.” The Navy will rotate ships out and in “as we now have, and we’ll proceed to,” Hegseth advised reporters.
Media reviews have mentioned that the U.S. plane provider USS George Washington was headed to interchange the usAbraham Lincoln, which has been deployed for over 250 days within the Center East. Its deployment had been anticipated to finish in Could.
The George Washington strike group departed Vietnam on Aug. 12, the Navy mentioned in a press release.
Hegseth additionally advised reporters that reviews about poor circumstances aboard the Lincoln, together with meals shortages, declining morale, and even makes an attempt by sailors to leap overboard, have been “utterly misrepresented.”
After Hegseth’s feedback, Rep. Mike Levin (D-Calif.) mentioned on X that he had despatched a letter to Hegseth and Performing Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao to precise severe issues about circumstances aboard the Lincoln.
“The reviews coming from army households and family members concerning the circumstances aboard the usLincoln are merely unacceptable. Stories embrace issues of moldy showers, damaged bogs, lack of scorching water, lack of entry to contemporary produce, and provide shortages,” the letter mentioned.
Sailors and marines are additionally mentioned to have an “overwhelming workload,” which is contributing to “excessive fatigue and burnout,” it mentioned.
In a submit on X, U.S. Central Command mentioned that reviews alleging a brawl aboard the provider have been false, and that no service members have died.
This got here after Iranian media claimed on Tuesday that seven U.S. Navy personnel have been killed and a number of other wounded “in a violent conflict” on the Lincoln.
