Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated on Sunday that a long-sought nuclear agreement with Iran may not be achieved, suggesting the United States might instead focus on eliminating the country’s nuclear capabilities after months of warfare. Speaking on ABC News’ “This Week,” Wright told Martha Raddatz that any potential deal could be left for Iran’s next administration, adding, “We simply don’t know that.”
When asked how the U.S. would prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon without a formal treaty, Wright pointed to the recent bombing campaign that he claimed has crippled Tehran’s production capacity. “We are degrading their capacity to develop nuclear weapons and ultimately to deliver them,” he said, characterizing the effort as a 47-year mission that the U.S. intends to complete in cooperation with regional allies.
These remarks follow similar sentiments expressed by President Donald Trump. In August, Trump indicated that while Iran wants a deal, it would not be one he considers sufficient, emphasizing that “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.” The President reiterated this stance recently on social media, declaring he “could not care less” if a deal is struck, even as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the administration’s strategy to “economically asphyxiate” Iran to force negotiations.
The comments emerged as hostilities between the two nations appeared to intensify. Although Trump previously dismissed the conflict as “small potatoes,” the U.S. struck three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday after Iran targeted two U.S. Navy warships. Tehran subsequently claimed to have launched retaliatory strikes on three U.S.-affiliated vessels and additional tankers.
Wright criticized the President’s characterization of the conflict during the interview, stating, “Iran is doing everything they can to cling on to something.” He argued that Iran recognizes the destruction of its nuclear program, navy, and air force, and is now attempting to maintain power as the U.S. escalates pressure on oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Wright added that the blockade of Iranian ports would either alter the regime or change its policies.
Addressing energy markets, Wright noted that the seven-day average for oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz currently sits at just over nine million barrels per day, the highest such average on record, with total regional flow reaching 13 to 14 million barrels daily when including bypass pipelines. He suggested that bulk gasoline futures indicate prices could drop by approximately 35 cents per gallon by November, anticipating a decline in demand as the summer driving season ends.
Wright also touched upon U.S. relations with Venezuela, asserting that American leverage over Venezuelan oil sales is forcing a partnership that is drawing billions in investment and transforming the region from conflict to commerce. “I think the momentum going in that direction… is quite strong,” he said, expressing a positive outlook for the Western Hemisphere regardless of who rules Venezuela.
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