Trump officials believe Iran is underestimating their position, despite rising prices and midterm elections. They claim economic pressure will drive Tehran to negotiate a deal to end the seven-month conflict. Talks this week lasted three hours but yielded no breakthrough.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott emphasized Trump’s strong hand in negotiations during an interview at the U.N. General Assembly. Meanwhile, Americans face increased costs at home. The national average for gasoline reached $4.49 per gallon Friday, up from $3.16 the previous year, according to AAA. AAA attributes this to volatility in the Strait of Hormuz and high crude oil prices.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged these expenses, arguing that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon would avoid a much higher future cost.
It comes at a price and at a cost, there’s no doubt about it. But the cost of not doing something about it is substantially higher, especially for future generations,” Rubio said.
Trump outlined his perspective at the U.N. General Assembly, warning Tehran of choosing between rebuilding or suffering severe U.S. actions. He predicted Iran would opt for a deal but noted Iranian leaders could be waiting for midterm election results.
A U.S. official told Fox News Digital that discussions remain positive but emphasized no rush for an agreement. The U.S. controls the Strait of Hormuz, having moved nearly 40 million barrels of oil in 48 hours, indicating confidence in maintaining current prices.
Trump described a recent meeting with Iranian officials as productive, as part of an ongoing diplomatic effort to end the conflict. However, Rubio warned against labeling the talks a major breakthrough.
I think it was significant that at least there was a conversation,Rubio said.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi proposed a seven-day plan to restore passage through the Strait of Hormuz if specific conditions are met, aiming for more comprehensive negotiations.
Tensions in Hormuz are high, with commercial oil traffic disrupted during the conflict. U.S. officials report increased oil movement through the strait.
Pigott highlighted economic pressure and oil flow as evidence Trump holds leverage in negotiations.
But he’s going to see the fundamental principle that they cannot have a nuclear weapon accomplished one way or another,Pigott said.
Rubio shared a similar view on Iran’s potential misinterpretation of U.S. politics.
I think the Iranians misread our system,Rubio said.
He elaborated that Tehran misunderstands Congressional power over sanctions and military action.
U.S. energy infrastructure faces threats in the region due to Iran-backed Houthi rebels targeting Saudi Arabia and Shiite militias in Iraq.
Rubio emphasized the importance of maintaining defense commitments to strategic partners such as Saudi Arabia, reaffirming the U.S.’s dedication.
They are a strategic defense partner. The U.S. made commitments to them. We will live up to those commitments. We are living up to those commitments now,Rubio said.