about 140 million barrels

“In the coming days, we could lift sanctions on Iranian oil that is in the sea. There are about 140 million barrels“Bessent stated in an interview with the network Fox Business Network.

“In essence, we will use Iranian oil against the Iranians to maintain the price [del petróleo] low for the next 10 or 15 days while we continue with the military campaign,” he explained.

He has also suggested that the United States could release more oil from its own strategic reserve and has warned that the Government has “many tools” at its disposal to increase supply.

And in the last two weeks, oil prices have exceeded $100 per barrel due to the blockade at that key step for maritime transport in the Middle East.

Bessent has also been optimistic about the possibility of other countries helping ships safely cross the Strait of Hormuz, blocked since the beginning of the conflict.

Specifically, the White House official has revealed that he expects “clarification” from NATO and US allies in Asia – such as South Korea or Australia – since just a couple of days ago they refused to participate in a coalition to ensure security in the strait.

This same Thursday, Donald Trump hopes to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the White House and discuss the participation of the japanese navy to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, where Japan gets most of its oil.

“She is very pro-American, I think we will have a very good conversation today,” Bessent said of the meeting, and he announced that Japan could also release more oil from its strategic reserve.

“We are winning”

In parallel, the Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegsethrepeated in a press conference that “his objectives in Iran remain the same as the first day” and that the military campaign will continue because it is on the right track.

“We are winning decisively and on our own terms,” ​​he assured. However, he has ruled out setting an end date to the conflict.