US shifts Iran war goal, says cheaper oil for Americans is top priority

AI Summary

US officials have shifted the focus regarding the Iran conflict from nuclear concerns to prioritizing lower oil prices for American consumers. Treasury and vice-presidential statements indicate imminent economic sanctions aimed at pressuring Tehran amid its control of the Strait of Hormuz.

The top US priority now in the Iran war is no longer its nuclear programme but to bring petrol prices down for American consumers, the vice-president said on Thursday, with the treasury secretary adding that new economic punishment to wear down Tehran is imminent. The comments by Vice-President J.D. Vance and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent illustrate the powerful leverage Tehran has gained by shutting down the Strait of Hormuz. Preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon – consistently...