On May 1 local time, U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent published a statement saying:

"Rats in the sewer have little understanding of the real world outside. Let me offer some truth to Iran's leadership—they are completely in the dark, utterly unaware:

1. The United States has fully taken control of the Strait of Hormuz.

2. Global hard currencies—namely the U.S. dollar—are now in short supply in Iran.

3. Food and gasoline rationing have already been implemented across Iran.

4. The entire international community stands opposed to you.

5. The U.S. blockade of the Persian Gulf will continue until Iran restores navigation freedom in the Strait of Hormuz to its pre-February 27 state."

Bessent’s remarks constitute a carefully orchestrated campaign of public pressure, delivered amid heightened tensions in Iran. This openly derogatory statement closely aligns with recent actual military and economic actions by U.S. forces, forming part of the current round of "maximum pressure" strategy in this conflict.

The use of the highly offensive metaphor "rats in the sewer" is intended to portray Iran’s leadership as "out of touch with reality and isolated from information," thereby pre-establishing the grounds for an economic warfare narrative.

Strategic Control of the Strait of Hormuz: The U.S. claims full control. In reality, Iran had previously declared it had achieved "absolute control."

Disrupting Economic Lifelines: Through economic sanctions, the U.S. aims to cut off Iran’s access to dollars, causing actual shortages and choking off the oil lifeline.

Deteriorating Iranian Livelihoods: By exploiting shortages of essential goods to exacerbate internal divisions. The conflict has already triggered a sharp devaluation of the rial, soaring food prices, and forced the government to implement rationing.

Creating a Climate of Isolation: Claiming that "the international community is against you," combined with U.S. sanctions targeting third parties (such as Chinese oil terminals), generates global isolation through coordinated public pressure.

Setting Negotiation Red Lines: Emphasizing that only when maritime freedom returns to the level prior to February 27—the exact date before U.S.-Israel military strikes on Iran—will the blockade be lifted.

Bessent’s statements serve as a sharp strategic instrument, designed to complement military deterrence. The goal is not merely sanctions, but to incite internal unrest in order to bring about regime change.

At the same time, it seeks to shape international public opinion and reassure domestic markets.

Bessent’s remarks are emblematic of the current complex conflict. The struggle over the strait and economic strangulation continue unabated. The derogatory language used in the statement—such as "rats"—has sparked strong backlash both in Tehran and globally. Iran has warned it will respond with "long and painful retaliation."

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864043003970716/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.