Trump Says Americans’ Finances Don’t Drive Iran Talks

Donald Trump said Tuesday that Americans’ financial struggles are “not even a little bit” part of his calculations during negotiations with Iran over the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Speaking to reporters on the White House South Lawn before departing for a summit in China, Trump emphasized that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains his sole priority.

“The only thing that matters when I’m talking about Iran — they can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.

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.”

Iran conflict continues to pressure U.S. economy

Trump’s remarks come as the Iran war continues disrupting global energy markets.

Since the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran in late February, Tehran has restricted access to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit corridors.

Roughly 20% of global oil shipments typically pass through the strait, and the disruption has sharply increased fuel prices worldwide.

According to AAA:

• Regular gasoline in the U.S. averaged about $4.50 per gallon Tuesday
• Diesel prices climbed to roughly $5.64 per gallon

Inflation climbs to highest level in years

New federal data released Tuesday showed inflation accelerating again as higher fuel costs spread through the economy.

The U.S. Consumer Price Index rose 3.8% year-over-year in April, marking the highest inflation rate in nearly three years.

Government data indicated energy prices accounted for more than 40% of the monthly increase in consumer costs.

Despite rising inflation:

• U.S. stock markets recently reached record highs
• Job growth in April exceeded economists’ expectations

Still, many Americans continue expressing concern about affordability and rising living expenses.

Polls show economic dissatisfaction

Recent polling suggests voters remain unhappy with the economy despite strong labor market numbers.

A CNN/SSRS survey conducted between April 30 and May 4 found:

• 70% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy
• The figure marks the highest economic disapproval rating recorded during either of Trump’s terms

An NBC News Decision Desk Poll also found that roughly two-thirds of respondents disapproved of Trump’s handling of:

• Inflation
• The Iran conflict

Ceasefire negotiations remain fragile

Trump’s comments come as diplomatic efforts to end the war remain stalled.

The president recently rejected Iran’s latest proposal to resolve the conflict, calling it “unacceptable,” and warned Monday that the current ceasefire is “on life support.”

The administration continues pressing Tehran to scale back its nuclear program while Iran seeks sanctions relief and broader concessions.

Meanwhile, global markets remain highly sensitive to developments involving oil shipments, regional security and negotiations surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.