US Prioritizes Oil Flows Over Iranian Nuclear Program
Washington is shifting its focus in the conflict with Iran from military strikes to economic pressure and restoring oil flows. Vice President JD Vance said that keeping affordable oil prices for Americans is the number one goal, while preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains a second priority.
The comments come as the administration of US President Donald Trump moves toward increasing economic pressure on Tehran rather than launching further major military strikes.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent separately threatened Iran with new economic sanctions, signaling a further tightening of Washington's approach toward Tehran. He said the measures could involve an unprecedented level of economic isolation and indicated that new sanctions could be announced next week.