U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent says U.S. will retake control of Hormuz Strait over time

Rashmi Pandey — Mon, 04 May 2026 13:17:03 +0000

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States is opening the Strait of Hormuz and that Washington will, over time, retake control of the vital shipping lane to ensure freedom of navigation.

Bessent said the U.S. is allowing some tanker traffic to continue through the strait for the sake of global market stability, while also making clear that the administration intends to secure the route more firmly in the coming period.

He also said the United States is in a position to “retake control” of the strait over time, a message that comes as tensions with Iran continue to shape oil markets and maritime security in the Gulf.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, and Bessent’s remarks come amid continued efforts by Washington to keep the waterway open to commercial shipping. Earlier comments from Bessent said the market remained well supplied and that more tanker traffic would help stabilize the situation.

The latest statement adds to a broader U.S. push to maintain freedom of navigation in the region, with the administration signaling that escorts or other measures may be used if needed.

For now, the White House is presenting the situation as a managed opening of the strait, with the longer-term aim of restoring full control over the route.

tanker traffic | Business Upturn

U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent says U.S. will retake control of Hormuz Strait over time