US shifts Iran war priority to oil prices

In the ongoing US-Iran war, the Trump administration has publicly shifted its top priority from preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon to lowering gasoline prices for American consumers. Vice President JD Vance stated on Fox News that keeping oil and gas cheap is now 'goal number one,' with nuclear non-proliferation as 'goal number two.' Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatened to impose economic isolation on Iran 'like the world has never seen before,' with new measures expected next week. This shift reflects Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted global oil flows and driven up gasoline prices. The administration is now pursuing a strategy of economic pressure, blockading Iranian ports and preventing oil sales, while 'low-keying' diplomacy. President Trump's approval rating is plummeting, and Republicans fear the war and high gasoline prices will cost them control of Congress in the November midterms. Iran has set conditions for reopening the strait, including ending the war, lifting sanctions, and compensation, which the US is unlikely to accept. The US military has reportedly depleted costly missile stockpiles, limiting options for renewed attacks.