US says lower oil prices, not Iran's nuclear program, are now top priority in war
The top US priority now in the Iran war is no longer its nuclear program but to bring gasoline prices down for American consumers, the vice president said Thursday, with the treasury secretary adding that new economic punishment to wear down Tehran is imminent. The comments by Vice President JD Vance and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent illustrate the powerful leverage Tehran has gained by…
Vice President JD Vance has stated that the top priority in the Iran war is now lower oil prices for American consumers, rather than the nuclear program. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added that new economic sanctions against Iran are imminent. The comments reflect the significant leverage Iran has gained by shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, which prevents oil from flowing freely.
This has become the main focus of the war, with the Strait of Hormuz being a crucial fuel supply conduit. The war, which began with President Donald Trump and Israel in late February, has caused gasoline prices to soar, leading to a decline in President Trump's approval rating. The unpopular war is also unpopular among Americans, and midterm elections are approaching in November.
Republicans fear that the war may cost them their control of Congress. Iran has set conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, including an end to the war, lifting the US blockade, ending sanctions, releasing frozen assets, and compensation for wartime damage. These conditions mirror the terms of a memorandum of understanding reached in June, which collapsed as fighting resumed.
Written by urgent.news from Bangkok Post Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
