-- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pressed China to act on Iran as tensions centered on the Strait of Hormuz, he said Monday in an interview on Fox News.
"China, let's see them step up with some diplomacy and get the Iranians to open the strait," Bessent said, urging Beijing to increase pressure on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
China buys about 90% of Iran's energy, and "they are funding the largest state sponsor of terrorism," Bessent added, calling for a more active role from China.
He urged China to support the US-led international effort to secure shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will discuss Iran during their May 14-15 summit in Beijing, while maintaining stable bilateral ties, Bessent said.
He said both leaders built stability after their trade truce in Busan last October, adding, "We've had great stability in the relationship... that comes from the two leaders having great respect for each other."
The US launched a naval mission, Operation Freedom, to escort ships using destroyers, aircraft, and drones, with Bessent saying, "The threat of attacks from Iran has closed the strait; we are reopening it."
Bessent said the US holds control over the waterway, stating, "We are saying the Iranians do not have control of the strait. We have absolute control of the strait."
Bessent said the global oil shortfall from the conflict stands at about 8 million barrels per day to 10 million b/d, noting each tanker moving through the Strait of Hormuz carries roughly 2 million barrels.
He said four to five vessels exiting daily could address the deficit, adding that 150 to 200 ships remain available and that the market will be well supplied.
"Iran's economy is in free-fall," Bessent said, adding that while officials claim resilience, their forces "will not have a high tolerance for not getting paid," highlighting mounting financial strain.
has reached out to the US Treasury for any comments.
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