President Trump justified U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear program despite oil prices topping $100 per barrel, following Iranian attacks on tankers that disrupted Gulf shipping. He prioritized preventing Iran's nuclear armament over short-term energy costs, announcing further measures to ease U.S. gas prices.
In the wake of Iranian attacks on oil tankers in the Persian Gulf—as detailed in prior coverage—President Donald Trump defended the ongoing U.S. military operation targeting Iran's nuclear facilities. Brent crude exceeded $100 per barrel for the second time that week, driving U.S. gas prices to $3.59 per gallon nationally, up from $2.94 a month prior.
Posting on Truth Social Thursday, Trump stated: “The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money. BUT, of far greater interest and importance to me, as President, is [stopping] an evil Empire, Iran, from having Nuclear Weapons, and destroying the Middle East and, indeed, the World. I won’t ever let that happen!”
The Pentagon echoed this, emphasizing long-term disruption of Iran's nuclear program. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth highlighted Iran's conventional defenses around nuclear sites. Building on the prior Strategic Petroleum Reserve release of 172 million barrels, the White House is eyeing a temporary Jones Act waiver to cut domestic shipping costs for oil and goods. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted: “In the interest of national defense, the White House is considering waiving the Jones Act for a limited period of time... This action has not been finalized.”
Trump floated U.S. Navy escorts for tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for global oil. Energy Secretary Chris Wright indicated this would follow once military priorities shift from dismantling Iran's capabilities.
Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, vowed to keep pressuring the Strait: “Certainly, the lever of closing the Strait of Hormuz must continue to be used.” Critics, including in The Nation, slammed the conflict as an 'undeclared, unauthorized, unpopular, and unconstitutional war of aggression.'
