President Trump directed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to the White House Situation Room during an interview as the administration manages the financial repercussions of the Iran conflict.
Bessent, 63, was speaking with Sky News’ Wilfred Frost on “The Master Investor Podcast” at the Treasury Department’s Cash Room when an aide interrupted about 13 minutes into the conversation, informing Bessent off-camera that the president required his immediate presence.
A microphone was removed from Bessent’s jacket as he departed the building at 10:22 a.m., according to the outlet’s timestamp. He returned nearly two hours later after meeting with President Trump, discussing a range of topics.
During the interview, Frost inquired about Trump’s mood following the urgent summons to the White House. Bessent mentioned that the President was in good spirits and that the Iranian mission was progressing ahead of schedule. He also mentioned that his teenager is contemplating joining the military, expressing his trust in the leadership from President Trump to the Secretary of War.
The conversation shifted to the ongoing Iranian conflict, initiated on Feb. 28 with Operation Epic Fury jointly conducted with Israel, resulting in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Bessent addressed the financial impact of the conflict, noting the surge in the US dollar and the strain on other financial indicators due to the war. He mentioned the Iranian regime’s control over the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic move to pressure adversaries.
Regarding the potential escorting of ships through the Strait, Bessent indicated that the US could provide escorts once the threat of an Iranian attack diminished. While concerns about underwater mines were raised, no evidence of such threats has been found.
The operation in the region has incurred costs of approximately $11 billion for the US, with Energy Secretary Chris Wright acknowledging discussions about naval escorts in the strait but refraining from specifying a timeline due to ongoing military priorities in countering Iran’s offensive capabilities.
0 Comments