US Energy Secretary: Nuclear Deal With Iran Unlikely as Conflict Intensifies

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated on Sunday that Washington may not achieve a diplomatic resolution to constrain Iran’s nuclear program, signaling a potential pivot toward military destruction of Iranian capabilities as the conflict enters its seventh month. Speaking on ABC News’ “This Week,” Wright acknowledged the uncertainty of future negotiations, saying, “There may not be a nuclear agreement. It may be simply destroying their capabilities to do it.”

Wright emphasized that efforts to degrade Iran’s ability to develop and deliver nuclear weapons are ongoing. “We are degrading their capacity to develop nuclear weapons and ultimately to deliver them if they develop them,” he said, noting the endeavor is a “47-year-long effort.” He added that while President Donald Trump prefers negotiated settlements, the military’s current primary role involves strangling Iran’s economy by halting crude exports.

The remarks followed U.S. Central Command’s announcement that American forces disabled three Iranian crude oil tankers. CENTCOM reported that one carrier was permanently disabled off Kharg Island, another near Jask, and a third attacked in the Gulf of Oman. These strikes were retaliation for ballistic missile launches by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) toward two U.S. Navy warships. Admiral Brad Cooper stated the goal was to impose a higher economic cost, declaring, “If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost — taking out three of yours.”

Iranian officials have responded with heightened rhetoric. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that “proportionate responses” to U.S. attacks are over. In a Telegram post, Ghalibaf stated that any violation of Iran’s interests would now receive a “faster, heavier, and more painful” response. He also highlighted severe domestic challenges, including exchange rate fluctuations, inflation, and unemployment, urging greater reliance on domestic production and technology.

The military actions coincide with tightening economic sanctions. On Saturday, the Treasury Department sanctioned a Turkish investment bank and two subsidiaries for facilitating funds for an IRGC arm. These measures are part of broader restrictions targeting Iran’s access to digital assets, advanced technology, and shipping. The World Bank reports that Iran’s GDP contracted by 2.7% in the year ending March, with inflation reaching 62.2% and food price inflation hitting 99%. An Iranian official estimated the war has resulted in one million job losses.

The conflict, which began on February 28 with American and Israeli airstrikes, has effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supply. Iran, the third-largest producer in OPEC, previously exported 90% of its crude via Kharg Island before the U.S. blockade began in mid-April. President Trump recently posted an AI-generated video depicting the destruction of Kharg Island, reiterating threats to seize the facility.