Trump, Officials Outline Hardline Iran Strategy at Cabinet Meeting/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump and senior officials discussed the Iran war during a Cabinet meeting. Trump signaled continued military action while downplaying economic impacts. Officials also addressed diplomacy, oil markets, and global political tensions.
Trump Iran Cabinet Meeting Quick Looks
- Trump doubts prospects for Iran peace deal
- US negotiating through Pakistan channels
- Trump floats takeover of Iran oil supply
- 10 oil tankers allowed through Hormuz
- Vance calls war “resounding success”
- Germany criticized for lack of support
- Gas tax suspension still under consideration
- Oil market disruptions continue
- Rubio heads to G7 meeting in France
- Iranians question Trump’s mixed messaging
Deep Look: Trump, Officials Outline Hardline Iran Strategy at Cabinet Meeting
President Donald Trump and top administration officials delivered a wide-ranging update on the Iran conflict during Thursday’s Cabinet meeting, outlining a hardline stance while acknowledging ongoing diplomatic efforts and economic pressures.
Trump cast doubt on the possibility of a peace deal with Tehran, saying Iran must take the initiative to end the fighting. He indicated the United States is prepared to continue military operations indefinitely.
“In the meantime, we’ll just keep blowing them away unimpeded, unstopped,” Trump said.
Later in the meeting, Trump emphasized he was not focused on reaching an agreement, reinforcing the administration’s willingness to maintain military pressure.
“I don’t care about making a deal,” he added.
Negotiations Continue Through Back Channels
Despite the tough rhetoric, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that the United States is engaged in diplomatic talks with Iran through Pakistan.
Witkoff said earlier discussions revealed Iranian officials were unwilling to abandon uranium enrichment, which he described as a major obstacle to diplomacy.
Trump also urged Iran to permanently abandon its nuclear ambitions, saying Tehran has an opportunity to “chart a new path forward.”
When asked whether the United States might move to secure Iran’s uranium supply, Trump declined to answer and dismissed the question as “ridiculous.”
Trump Floats Oil Takeover Option
Trump suggested the United States could potentially take control of Iran’s oil supply, describing it as “an option.”
He compared the potential scenario to U.S. involvement in Venezuela, suggesting a similar arrangement could emerge in Iran.
Trump also revealed that Iran had allowed 10 oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, describing the move as a goodwill gesture during negotiations.
The president said the vessels, some reportedly flying Pakistani flags, represented a significant concession from Tehran.
Flexible Deadline for Strait of Hormuz
Trump also signaled uncertainty about enforcing a Friday deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
He said advisers, including Vice President JD Vance and envoy Steve Witkoff, would help determine whether negotiations were progressing sufficiently to extend the timeline.
The Strait of Hormuz remains critical to global oil supply, with disruptions contributing to rising energy prices and market volatility.
Economic Concerns and Gas Prices
Trump downplayed the economic impact of the conflict, saying rising gas prices and stock market fluctuations had not been as severe as expected.
However, he acknowledged the administration is considering options to ease fuel costs, including a possible suspension of the federal gas tax.
Trump said such measures remain under consideration but are not imminent.
Vice President Vance Calls War Successful
Vice President JD Vance described the military campaign as a success, arguing that Iran’s capabilities have been significantly weakened.
Vance said the offensive created new opportunities to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
He emphasized that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains the administration’s top national security priority.
Oil Market “Well Supplied” Despite Disruptions
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also addressed rising oil prices, saying the global oil market remains “well-supplied” despite current disruptions.
Bessent explained that sufficient oil exists globally, but logistical challenges caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have temporarily restricted supply.
Earlier this year, oil prices hovered near $60 per barrel due to increased production and weaker demand. However, the conflict has disrupted shipping routes and damaged energy infrastructure.
Some production facilities have shut down due to storage constraints, while damaged refineries could take years to fully restore.
These disruptions have tightened supply and contributed to rising oil prices.
Rubio Heads to G7 Meeting
Secretary of State Marco Rubio departed for a G7 meeting in France as diplomatic prospects appear increasingly uncertain.
The meeting will focus on potential negotiations, reopening maritime routes, and addressing Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.
However, divisions remain between the United States and several G7 partners regarding the war.
Trump criticized European allies, particularly Germany, for failing to support U.S. military operations.
“They weren’t there,” Trump said, questioning whether allies would assist in future conflicts.
Iranian Skepticism Grows
Some residents questioned whether the United States truly seeks diplomacy, pointing to Trump’s conflicting statements about negotiations and military objectives.
One Tehran resident said that Trump’s statements “cannot really be trusted,” reflecting growing uncertainty about the conflict’s direction.
Uncertain Path Forward
With military operations ongoing, diplomatic efforts continuing, and global energy markets affected, the Iran conflict remains fluid.
The Cabinet meeting underscored the administration’s dual-track approach — maintaining military pressure while leaving open the possibility of negotiations.
However, mixed messaging and growing international divisions suggest the path toward resolution remains uncertain.
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