The White House says private diplomatic contacts with Iran are ongoing, while Scott Bessent states the Strait of Hormuz blockade will remain until freedom of navigation returns to pre-Feb. 27 conditions.
The White House said negotiations involving Iran are still continuing through private diplomatic contacts, though it did not provide details. At the same time, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States fully controls the Strait of Hormuz and will keep the blockade in place until freedom of navigation is restored to conditions seen before Feb. 27. An Iranian source said Tehran may consider restarting talks if the United States lifts its port blockade and Iran fully reopens the Strait of Hormuz. Bessent also cited shortages of U.S. dollars, food and gasoline rationing, and growing international opposition to Iran’s leadership. The developments link diplomacy, maritime access and economic pressure around a vital oil shipping route, with implications for energy prices, inflation expectations and broader risk sentiment across global markets, including crypto.