US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the one-month blockade of Iranian ports has “been a resounding success” as it applies severe pressure on Iran’s government, Al Jazeera reports.

In an interview with US news channel CNBC, Bessent says the best way to deal with Iran’s leaders is to “squeeze them economically”.

“None of their ships are getting out, none are coming in, so they’re not able to store oil on the waters, so they’re going to start shutting down production,” he claims.

“We believe we’re at the point where soldiers aren’t getting paid,” Bessent continues. “They’re not able to replenish their weapons stocks from abroad. So I think that they are on their last legs.”