US warns that “all options are on table” in fighting Iran

Speaking of NBC News, Bessent said that sometimes “should escalate to reduce tensions”, implying that the US could increase military pressure on Iran despite conflict reduction discussions.

Asked about the possibility of placing American troops on Kharg Island, he said the US has conducted a very successful bombing campaign there and reiterated that all options remain open.

This island is vital for Iran, as about 90% of oil exports pass through it, the BBC report.

Bessent stressed that US goals are clear, the destruction of Iran's navy and air force, the weakening of missile capacities and the inability to refuel weapons, and the assurance that Iran will never have nuclear weapons.

He added that the majority of Iranian attacks are isolated actions and that the two missiles issued towards the British-American base in Diego Garcia were <x0 seconds of despair”.