By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-live-bessent-testifies-on-trumps-treasury-department-budget-request-before-senate-committee Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Bessent testifies on Trump's Treasury Department budget request before Senate committee Politics Apr 22, 2026 10:29 AM EDT U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent doubled down on economic pressures on Iran on Tuesday. Watch Bessent's testimony on President Donald Trump's budget request in the video player above. In a post on X Tuesday evening, Bessent said the blockade of Iranian ports "directly targets the regime's primary revenue lifelines" by constraining maritime trade. READ MORE: Approval of Trump on economy falls in new AP-NORC poll, as Iran war drives up prices "Kharg Island storage will be full and the fragile Iranian oil wells will be shut in," Bessent said. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. Kharg Island is considered the beating heart of Iran's oil industry, through which 90% of its exports pass. In line with previous statements about economic pressure efforts, Bessent also said Iranian funds would remain frozen and any person or vessel facilitating the flow of funds to Iran would risk U.S. sanctions. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent doubled down on economic pressures on Iran on Tuesday. Watch Bessent's testimony on President Donald Trump's budget request in the video player above. In a post on X Tuesday evening, Bessent said the blockade of Iranian ports "directly targets the regime's primary revenue lifelines" by constraining maritime trade. READ MORE: Approval of Trump on economy falls in new AP-NORC poll, as Iran war drives up prices "Kharg Island storage will be full and the fragile Iranian oil wells will be shut in," Bessent said. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. Kharg Island is considered the beating heart of Iran's oil industry, through which 90% of its exports pass. In line with previous statements about economic pressure efforts, Bessent also said Iranian funds would remain frozen and any person or vessel facilitating the flow of funds to Iran would risk U.S. sanctions. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now