Trump is using ‘the only language the Iranians understand,’ US Treasury chief says

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says Trump is using “the only language the Iranians understand” by threatening to destroy the country’s power plants unless Tehran fully opens he Strait of Hormuz.

The combative rhetoric offers a glimpse into how the Trump administration is framing and defending the war effort.

Bessent told NBC’s “Meet the Press” that Trump “will take whatever steps it takes” to achieve his goals in the war with Iran.

The secretary was asked about the comment last week that Trump was considering “winding down” military operations and whether the president is now escalating the conflict.

“They are not mutually exclusive,” Bessent said. “Sometimes you have to escalate to deescalate.”  — AP