US Shifts Focus to Lowering Oil Prices in Iran Conflict

US Vice President JD Vance has stated that lowering oil prices is now the top priority in the conflict with Iran. This shift in focus comes as Washington threatens an indefinite naval blockade and intensifies economic pressure on Tehran.

Vance ranked Iran's nuclear ambitions second, indicating a change from previous reasons for the conflict. The Trump administration had initially supported mass anti-government protests, then prioritized defanging Iran's nuclear program, and even considered toppling the regime.

Oil prices have remained significantly higher than before the conflict, despite an initial spike after the US-Israeli attack on February 28. In a Fox News interview, Vance emphasized that keeping oil and gas cheap for Americans is 'goal No. 1', while ensuring Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon is 'goal No. 2'.

Tehran insists it has no desire to develop a nuclear weapon. The US has maintained control over the Strait of Hormuz, but traffic through the key trade route remains limited due to Iranian attacks on ships attempting to transit.