WASHINGTON

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said there are signs of “defections” within Iran’s leadership as pressure mounts from a US and Israeli military campaign, suggesting the situation could accelerate the collapse of the government.

“The regime is in collapse, and the people are starting to turn against them. We’re starting to see defections,” Bessent told Fox News, adding that Washington is targeting Iranian officials’ financial assets.

He said the US would “hold them and see who comes forward in terms of defections,” claiming cracks are emerging “throughout the regime.”

Bessent also highlighted recent military action targeting key oil infrastructure, saying President Donald Trump has been “laser focused” on Kharg Island.

“There was a bombing campaign last week. The military assets on Kharg Island were destroyed,” he said.

He warned that conditions on the island are deteriorating, claiming oil workers are being “coerced” to remain, and suggested its future status remains uncertain.

“And we will see what happens with whether that eventually becomes a US asset,” added Bessent.

Regional tensions have flared since Israel and the US launched joint attacks against Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,200 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and more than 150 children at a girls' elementary school.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries, saying the attacks are targeting “US assets” in the region.