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The United States has permitted some Iranian oil tankers to leave the Strait of Hormuz, as global shipping resumes despite West Asia conflicts, according to US Treasury Secretary.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. (Courtesy: Reuters)
The United States has allowed some Iranian oil tankers to leave the Strait of Hormuz as global shipping slowly resumes in the region despite the ongoing conflict in West Asia, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.
Speaking to CNBC, Bessent said Washington is comfortable with certain ships—including Iranian, Indian, and Chinese vessels—passing through the key maritime route to maintain global fuel supplies.
“We are seeing more and more of the fuel ships start to go through,” the US treasury secretary told CNBC.
He noted that Iranian vessels had already begun leaving the strait and said the US had allowed it in order to ensure energy supplies continue reaching international markets.
“The Iranian ships have been getting out already, and we’ve let that happen to supply the rest of the world. We’ve seen Indian ships go out now… we believe some Chinese ships have gone out.”
According to Bessent, shipping activity in the region could increase further before additional security forces arrive.
“That should start ramping up before there are any of the flotillas or protective armadas in the Gulf. So we think that there will be a natural opening that the Iranians are letting go out. And for now, we’re fine with that. We want the world to be well supplied.”
When asked whether the Trump administration would take additional steps, such as releasing oil from reserves, to control energy prices during the conflict, Bessent said the decision would depend on how long the war lasts.
“It will depend on the duration of the conflict.”
March 16, 2026, 8:53 PM IST
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