WASHINGTON: Donald Trump said on Tuesday that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon outweighs concerns about the economic impact of the ongoing conflict on Americans.
Speaking before departing the White House for a trip to China, Trump dismissed suggestions that rising inflation and financial pressure on US households were influencing his approach toward Iran.
“Not even a little bit,” Trump said when asked whether Americans’ economic situation was motivating efforts to secure a deal.
“The only thing that matters, when I’m talking about Iran, they can’t have a nuclear weapon,” he added.
“I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation. I don’t think about anybody. I think about one thing: We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon.”
Rising energy prices
Trump’s remarks come as rising energy prices linked to the Iran conflict continue to fuel inflation and increase political pressure on the administration ahead of November’s midterm elections.
According to recent economic data, US consumer inflation in April recorded its sharpest increase in three years, partly driven by higher fuel costs.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung defended the president’s stance, saying Trump’s “ultimate responsibility is the safety and security of Americans.”
Several Republicans have reportedly expressed concern that prolonged economic hardship linked to the conflict could damage the party politically in upcoming elections.
US intelligence assessments
Meanwhile, US intelligence assessments cited by the media suggest Iran’s estimated timeline for developing a nuclear weapon has remained largely unchanged despite months of conflict and military pressure.
Iran has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons, insisting its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful civilian purposes.
The latest comments highlight the administration’s continued focus on Iran’s nuclear capabilities even as economic concerns increasingly dominate domestic political debate in the United States.
