US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has affirmed that Washington’s naval blockade of Iranian ports will continue, additionally claiming that there is a shortage of hard currency in Iran and food rationing is ongoing.

“It is very difficult for rats in a sewer pipe to know what’s going on in the outside world,” Bessent has said in a post on X, referring to Tehran’s leadership.

Offering “some colour for the Iranian leadership”, he outlines that the US “has complete control” of the Strait of Hormuz, and that there is a shortage of dollars in Iran.

“Food and gasoline rationing are in place. The entire international community has turned against you. The blockade will continue until there is pre-February 27 Freedom of Navigation,” Bessent adds.

Opinion

Editorial

Yemen offensive
Updated 04 Oct, 2026

Yemen offensive

The best option, therefore, is for Muslim and Arab states to help restore the Saudi-Houthi ceasefire.
Growth transition
04 Oct, 2026

Growth transition

PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent call to move from stabilisation to growth, job creation and export ...
Protection at risk
04 Oct, 2026

Protection at risk

THE recent warning from UNHCR should alarm donor governments. Nearly 8.3m refugees and other forcibly displaced...
Talks, at last
Updated 03 Oct, 2026

Talks, at last

The government’s constant threats to suspend KP’s elected dispensation over a political protest have escalated hostilities considerably. In that context, both sides did well to start talking.
IWT’s future
Updated 03 Oct, 2026

IWT’s future

TOGETHER with the Kashmir dispute, India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty has become the biggest...
Pained minds
03 Oct, 2026

Pained minds

IN Pakistan, mental healthcare is wedged between two extremes — a luxury or a stigma. Estimates cited by the...