U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian infrastructure as necessary escalations to de-escalate tensions, while also explaining the easing of sanctions to release Iranian oil onto global markets as a strategic move against Iran. Iran warned of retaliatory attacks on U.S. and allied infrastructure if its fuel and energy facilities were targeted, though the U.S. has so far avoided directly hitting Iran’s oil infrastructure. Meanwhile, growing political opposition in Congress criticized the administration for lack of authorization, transparency, and a clear strategy, calling for an end to the conflict.