Trump downplays Iran deal as U.S. readies renewed strikes
CNBC • • nation
Key Points:
- U.S. President Donald Trump announced he no longer seeks a deal with Iran amid reports that the U.S. military is preparing for potential strikes against the country before the midterm elections.
- Trump acknowledged that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has been working on a deal but indicated a preference for military action over diplomacy.
- NBC News and Axios reported discussions within the U.S. national security team about resuming large-scale military operations targeting Iranian energy, infrastructure, and nuclear sites, which could impact the upcoming elections.
- Trump faces declining approval ratings due to rising living costs, including soaring gasoline and diesel prices, complicating the political landscape.
- Despite ongoing conflict, crude oil exports from the Middle East (excluding Iran) have nearly returned to pre-war levels, with analysts predicting a slow and uneven normalization of trade through operational adjustments rather than diplomatic agreements.
