U.S. threatens Iran with unprecedented economic isolation over Hormuz
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The United States on Thursday threatened Iran with unprecedented economic isolation as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz escalated, with Tehran insisting the strategic waterway remains under its control.
Iran said that the Strait of Hormuz is “under Iran’s control and management,” in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that Washington has “total control” over the waterway.
Trump said on Wednesday on Truth Social that the United States would keep control of the strait, without providing further details.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent separately warned that Washington would impose new measures against Iran next week, describing the planned pressure campaign as economic isolation “like the world has never seen before.”
Bessent said that the measures would combine financial pressure with a physical blockade of Iranian ports, adding that what he described as a continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would prevent goods from entering or leaving Iranian ports.
“Watch this space for more announcements coming next week,” Bessent told Newsmax.
The escalation comes as Washington seeks to pressure Tehran over the conflict and its nuclear program while containing the economic impact of disruptions around the strait, a key global oil shipping route.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance said earlier that Washington’s top priority in the conflict was bringing oil and gasoline prices down for Americans, while preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon had become the second priority.
The tougher U.S. position marks a shift from Bessent’s comments on Aug. 4, when he said an agreement with Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could potentially be reached within days.
Meanwhile, Iran has appeared to seek compensation over an oil spill that reached Qeshm Island. Iranian authorities said a foreign bulk carrier appeared to be the source of the spill.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is a critical route for global energy shipments. Any prolonged disruption could affect international oil markets and increase pressure on energy prices.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have intensified over the Strait of Hormuz amid the broader U.S.-Iran conflict. The waterway is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, making competing claims over its control a major regional and global concern.