Iran-US war latest: Trump official says Hormuz will soon be a ‘worthless piece of water’ and threatens new sanctions

Key Points:

• US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed the Strait of Hormuz will become a "worthless piece of water" within two years as Gulf states develop alternative pipelines, following Iran's closure of the waterway in response to US-Israeli strikes.
• Bessent also threatened imminent new US economic sanctions on Iran, citing strong support from international allies amid ongoing disruptions in global energy markets caused by the conflict.
• Retired US Army Major General Randy Manner criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for purging top Pentagon officials, warning the US military is weaker than before 9/11, while Army Secretary Dan Driscoll recently resigned amid reported tensions.
• The US-Iran war has inflicted significant economic damage on the UK, with analysis projecting a £2,400 reduction in average household spending power over two years due to inflation and stagnant wages.
• Recent escalations include missile strikes by Iran on US bases in Jordan following US attacks on Iranian targets, attacks on two Saudi supertankers near the Strait of Hormuz, and rising oil prices amid heightened Middle East violence and uncertainty.