During a recent discussion on NBC, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent found himself at odds with host Kristen Welker, as they debated the U.S. approach to Iranian oil sanctions in the context of the ongoing war with Iran. Welker criticized the decision to lift sanctions on Iranian oil stored on tankers, suggesting that this move would facilitate Iran’s access to over $14 billion in oil revenue at a time when gas prices are soaring due to the conflict. In response, Bessent vehemently rejected Welker's framing of the issue, stating that Iranian oil was always intended for sale to China, albeit at a discount. He argued that maintaining lower oil prices was preferable for global markets.