Treasury chief says US sanctions relief for Iran will proceed slowly

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that any easing of American sanctions on Iran would take place gradually.

“Again, I'm not going to preview the deal, but I would think that the things would go very slowly in terms of that,” Bessent told reporters at a White House briefing when asked whether US restrictions could be lifted before issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme are resolved.

He also stated that the United States considers it necessary to ensure the free and uninterrupted transit of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that maritime routes must remain free and open, as they have always been.

According to Bessent, US President Donald Trump will make a “great deal” on the issue. He added that Washington views freedom of navigation in the strait as a key priority.

Responding to reporters’ questions about remarks attributed to Trump regarding the possibility of “destroying Oman,” Bessent said he believed the president had only intended to emphasize the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. He added that Oman’s ambassador had assured him there were no plans to impose transit fees on vessels passing through the waterway.

Bessent also argued that the current US administration had achieved what previous administrations could not by initiating dialogue with Iran over its nuclear programme and the possibility of abandoning further development of it.

Asked about potential sanctions relief for Tehran, he said the issue would not be considered until freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is guaranteed and Iran agrees to hand over its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium and abandon its nuclear programme.

He further warned that military strikes against Iran could resume in the near future if Trump concludes that an agreement with Tehran is impossible.

“Washington’s patience is not unlimited. But President Trump believes he cannot secure a deal, then the option of strikes will return,” the Treasury Secretary said.

“So, we are being patient. We do not have unlimited patience. President Trump always prefers a peace deal. So everything we have done thus far has been defensive, and at present that is what we will continue doing,” he said, warning that President Trump believes strikes could again become an option if a deal cannot be reached.

By Jeyhun Aghazada