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Hormuz · International

Bessent says Hormuz could be bypassed in two years

17 sourcesUpdated 1 Sept 2026, 3:40 pm Coverage regionsGlobal · International
CATCH ME UP

Bessent said the Strait of Hormuz could become a "worthless piece of water" within two years.

He said land-based oil pipelines could provide alternative routes around the chokepoint.

The remarks were made in Asheville, North Carolina, amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions.

The reporting also links the comments to upcoming bank sanctions on Iran.

Why it mattersIf shipping routes shift away from Hormuz, a key energy chokepoint could lose leverage over oil flows and regional politics.
More context

Recent attacks on oil tankers and shipping have renewed concern about the waterway's role in energy transport.

AGREEMENT VS DISAGREEMENT

What lines up. What splits.

A quick read on shared facts, changing details, and different emphasis.

What coverage agrees on

All the reports say Bessent argued the Strait of Hormuz could be bypassed as alternative pipelines develop, and they connect his remarks to ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions.

What is changing or disputed

What remains uncertain is how quickly any bypass routes could be completed and whether the chokepoint's importance will actually diminish within the timeline described.

HOW COVERAGE DIFFERS

Same story. Different emphasis.

Swipe through the perspectives. Labels describe coverage framing, not truth or quality.

Supportive1

The supportive coverage highlights Bessent's argument that the Strait of Hormuz could be displaced by alternative routes. It stresses his description of the waterway as a "worthless piece of water" and presents the pipelines as a practical way to bypass the chokepoint. The framing also ties the remarks to U.S. plans for added pressure on Iran. It underscores the significance of the waterway's role in global energy transport.

Distinctive emphasis — reported claim, not independently verified.Sources: Livemint
Neutral2

Neutral coverage says Bessent declared the strait could be bypassed within two years through land-based pipelines. It reports that the comments came during discussions in Asheville, North Carolina, amid escalating U.S.-Iran conflict and recent attacks on shipping. The coverage also notes fluctuating oil prices and reduced commercial traffic. One account adds that an outbound tanker near Oman was struck by unknown projectiles without casualties.

Distinctive emphasis — reported claim, not independently verified.Sources: DNA India
STORY TIMELINE

How the coverage developed

The latest eight dated reports, from earliest to newest.

GO DEEPER

Read the reporting

Scan each source take, then open the original article.

Livemint Supportive framing Reported

US Treasury Secretary Bessent says Strait of Hormuz could become ‘worthless’ in two years

Quick source take

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the Strait of Hormuz could lose its importance and become a worthless piece of water within two years as oil pipelines provide alternative routes. Speaking in Asheville, North Carolina, Bessent outlined plans for increased economic pressure on Iran, including upcoming bank sanctions. The source reports that recent attacks on oil tankers have renewed safety concerns regarding the vital energy chokepoint amid ongoing US-Iran tensions.

Outlook India Neutral framing Reported

‘Worthless Piece Of Water’: US Treasury Secretary Says Strait Of Hormuz Will Be Bypassed In 2 Years

Quick source take

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declared that the Strait of Hormuz will be bypassed in two years through land-based oil pipelines, describing the waterway as a worthless piece of water. The source reports that these remarks occurred during discussions in Asheville, North Carolina, amid escalating US-Iran conflicts and recent attacks on shipping. Additionally, the report mentions fluctuating oil prices, reduced commercial traffic, and recent political developments surrounding President Donald Trump.

DNA India Neutral framing Reported

US Treasury Secretary calls Strait of Hormuz 'worthless', says alternative will be ready in 2 years

Quick source take

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that alternative land-based pipelines could bypass the Strait of Hormuz within two years, reducing Iran's ability to use the waterway as a chokepoint. The source reports that Bessent made these remarks during renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran that caused oil prices to rise. Furthermore, the report notes a UKMTO incident where an outbound tanker was struck by unknown projectiles near Oman without causing casualties.