Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday that the Islamic Republic of Iran is on its last legs after three weeks of bombing. “We have demolished the Iranian capabilities. Their air force is completely destroyed, and their navy is destroyed. And every day we are taking out their missiles, their missile systems, and the factories that build those missiles,” he said. “And now General Caine and Secretary Hegseth are leading a campaign to destroy all the fortifications along the straits of Hormuz.” “The command and control system of the Iranian regime is in chaos. This is Hitler’s bunker. Hitler’s dead. Himmler’s dead. Goring is dead. Most of what you’re seeing are lone wolf activities. The mid-range ICBM that was shot off, these two missiles yesterday, that’s out of desperation,” he argued. “Sometimes you have to escalate to de-escalate.”

KRISTEN WELKER: President Trump posted overnight. He says, “If Iran doesn’t fully open without threat the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various power plants, starting with the biggest one first.” Has the president changed his mind about winding down the war, as he said a day earlier, and instead plans to escalate? SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: I think he said he could wind the war down at any time he wants. And, Kristen, this is the only language the Iranians understand. KRISTEN WELKER: But this seems to be an escalation, a threat of escalation, and it seems to run counter to his statement that he, in fact, wants to wind down the war. SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: Again, Kristen, the president’s been very clear from the beginning that the goals are destroy the Iranian air force and the navy, to completely demolish their missile capabilities, demolish their ability to replenish those capabilities, make sure the Iranians cannot have a nuclear weapon, and stop their ability to project power internationally. And the president will take whatever steps it takes to achieve those goals. KRISTEN WELKER: Well, you know, I was on the phone with President Trump a week ago. He told me allies were on the way to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. Has the Trump administration abandoned that strategy and now chosen to go it alone? SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: Again, what we have done there has been a campaign using military assets to soften up the Iranian fortifications along the strait. That’s going to continue until they are completely demolished. And, Kristen, let me tell you, whether it’s this network or the mainstream press, the American people do not have good framing what is going on here. If you were to read what is happening, and I’m sure when Senator Murphy is on, you know, he has come out and said we are losing the war. That is wrong. We have demolished the Iranian capabilities. Their air force is completely destroyed, navy destroyed. And every day we are taking out their missiles, their missile systems, and the factories that build those missiles. And now General Caine, Secretary Hegseth are leading a campaign to destroy all the fortifications along the straits of Hormuz. KRISTEN WELKER: Just to put a fine point on this though, is the president in the process of winding down this war or escalating the conflict? SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: Again, they are not mutually exclusive. Sometimes you have to escalate to de-escalate, Kristen. KRISTEN WELKER: Okay. NBC News is reporting that President Trump is considering sending troops into Iran. Will the administration use troops to secure the Strait of Hormuz or for any other reason, Mr. Secretary? SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: Again, as President Trump said during the press break yesterday when he was going out to Marine One, he’s not going to give away what we’re going to do. As President Trump always does, he’s leaving all options on the table. We had a very successful bombing campaign against the military installations, Kharg Island, the nexus for all the Iranian oil supply. You know, what could happen will Kharg Island? We’ll see. And again, just to be clear, the command and control system of the Iranian regime is in chaos. This is Hitler’s bunker. Hitler’s dead. Himmler’s dead. Goring is dead. Most of what you’re seeing are lone wolf activities. The mid-range ICBM that was shot off, these two missiles yesterday, that’s out of desperation, Kristen. KRISTEN WELKER: You bring up Kharg Island. I want to ask you about your statement. You said it could become a U.S. asset. What exactly does that mean? Could U.S. troops go into Kharg Island to secure it? SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: Again, as I said, all options are on the table. KRISTEN WELKER: Okay. So, that’s a possibility. SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: All options are on the table.

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