'Kinetic action, economic pressure brought Iran to table': Treasury Secretary Bessent
Washington DC, May 29
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hailed President Donald Trump's administration's "kinetic actions and economic pressure" on Iran, which he said worked to bring Tehran to the negotiation table about its nuclear programme.
Speaking to the reporters at a White House briefing, Bessent noted that this wasn't achieved by any other administration and hoped that the US could 'commit' Iran to renounce its nuclear programme as the ceasefire negotiations continue.
"This administration, President Trump, has done something that no other administration was able to do. We have gotten the Iranians to talk about their nuclear programme and perhaps commit to not having one. That has never happened before. It had been off the table," he said.
"When you look at the results of the kinetic action of our economic pressure, it has worked to bring them to the table and have a discussion on this," he added.
Speaking about the potential US deal with Iran, Bessent stressed that it depends on President Donald Trump, who is resolute on his demand against Iran's nuclear programme.
"Everything depends on what the president wants to do, and President Trump is not going to make a bad deal for the American people," he said.
He insisted that any deal would need to meet Trump's demands that Iran turn over its highly enriched uranium and commit not to pursue a nuclear weapon, in addition to allowing free navigation through the strait.
"It is a multifaceted agreement and nothing is going to be on the table until we see the Strait of Hormuz open and the Iranians agree that they have to turn over the highly enriched uranium, and that they can't have a nuclear program," he said.
Bessent also addressed the economic slump caused by the disruption in the global supply of gas and oil after Iran choked the vital waterway, the Strait of Hormuz. He, however, focused on improving the condition as both sides reached closer to a deal.
"Oil prices are down about 10 % in May. Almost 2,000 ships are waiting to leave the Gulf, and I think the oil market will be very well supplied on the other side of this (West Asia conflict), and we could see prices come down very quickly," he said.
US and Iranian negotiators have reportedly reached a tentative 60-day memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at extending a fragile ceasefire and paving the way for formal talks regarding Iran's nuclear programme. According to an Axios report, the agreement is now awaiting final approval from President Donald Trump, as well as Iran's acceptance.
The proposed MoU is designed to serve as a bridge to bring both nations to the negotiating table to address the ongoing crisis in West Asia. While officials on both sides noted that most terms were settled by Tuesday, the final hurdle remains the blessing of top leadership.
One US official noted that President Trump has requested a few days to review the final draft before committing to the framework, reported Axios.
The deal, if finalised, would mark the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the conflict began on February 28.
However, officials noted that a comprehensive agreement addressing Trump's nuclear demands would still require extensive negotiations.
"This is an agreement to get everybody to the table. We will work out the details in the negotiations," one of the US officials said, as reported by Axios.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Kinetic action and economic pressure — that's a euphemism for drone strikes and sanctions that hurt ordinary Iranians. As an Indian, I'm wary of how this "strongman" approach will impact oil prices and our trade with Iran. We've always advocated dialogue, not ultimatums.
Finally some decisive action from Washington! Trump's team understands that you can't negotiate with bullies — you have to show strength. If Iran renounces nukes, it's a win for everyone. India should take notes on how to handle a tough neighbor. 😏
"No bad deal for the American people" — that's the right stance. But let's see if this 60-day MoU actually sticks. Iran has a history of dragging its feet. Coming from my experience as a Westerner living in India for trade, I just hope the Gulf region stabilizes — business needs that oil flowing freely.
I'm glad they're talking at least. But the way Bessent frames it — like Iran had no choice — feels one-sided. Real diplomacy means mutual respect, not just "we squeezed until you gave up." As an Indian, I've seen how colonialism treated us. Let's hope for a peaceful outcome, for the sake of millions affected by oil prices here.
Oil prices down 10% in May — good news for our economy! India imports most of its oil, so any stability in Strait of Hormuz is welcome. But I wonder if this is a genuine breakthrough or just a "TV moment" for Trump. Time will tell. 🤔
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