Secretary Chris Wright defends leverage on Iran, warns Strait of Hormuz remains unsafe

Secretary Chris Wright said Wednesday that recent public threats directed at Iran are intended to maximize U.S. leverage in negotiations and reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz is not safe while Iranian forces have been firing on commercial vessels.

The host quoted a Truth Social post attributed to President Trump that said, “If the Iranians don't take the deal being offered, quote, the United States is going to knock out every single power plant and every single bridge in Iran.” The host asked whether proposed strikes on civilian infrastructure would harm innocent people and constitute a war crime. Secretary Wright replied that the administration is seeking “maximum leverage” in talks and that while much of Iran’s infrastructure supports its “war machine,” he was "not worried" about the public remarks and called current talks promising.

Wright said reported attacks on shipping have made transit through the Strait of Hormuz unsafe. After the host noted that Iran had reportedly fired on a French ship and a U.K. freighter, the secretary agreed that it is not safe now to go through the strait and said reopening will depend on a negotiated end to the conflict.

On U.S. policy, Wright described a combined strategy of maritime pressure and financial sanctions. He said the United States has put through warships and is conducting a “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran’s ability to export energy and to move funds, asserting those measures are limiting Iran’s options.

When asked how soon a negotiated resolution might allow safe passage, Wright said a deal could emerge within weeks and that the administration has a pathway "to a good ending of this conflict before long." He also warned that, given Iran’s geography, the country could again threaten the strait in the future and said the U.S. response would include further restrictions on Iran’s energy and financial flows.

The interview closed with Wright reiterating optimism about near-term negotiations but offering no concrete timetable beyond saying the situation could resolve in the "near future."