Bessent Accuses China of Funding Iran, Urges Hormuz Aid

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused China on Monday of funding Iran by buying 90 percent of its energy exports, labeling Iran the largest state sponsor of terrorism, and urged Beijing to use its influence to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Bessent made the remarks during a Fox News interview, ahead of President Donald Trump's planned summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 14-15. Iran has blocked the strategic waterway through attacks, stranding ships and disrupting global oil flows. Trump announced Sunday that the U.S. would guide those vessels out under an operation called Project Freedom, warning Iran against interference. "The attacks from Iran have closed the strait. We are reopening it," Bessent said. "We have absolute control of the strait."

While asserting U.S. dominance, Bessent called on China to join the effort. "I would urge the Chinese to join us in supporting this international operation," he said. "Let's see them step up with some diplomacy and get the Iranians to open the strait."

The comments follow China and Russia's veto of a U.N. Security Council resolution earlier this month that would have condemned Iran's blockade. Chinese...