NEW YORK — Trump administration officials have stated that Iran is miscalculating if it believes that rising prices and the upcoming midterm elections will weaken President Donald Trump's negotiating position regarding the ongoing conflict. The administration expressed confidence that increasing economic pressure will encourage Tehran to reach a deal, despite three hours of talks this week concluding without a breakthrough. State Department principal deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated in an interview that 'the president holds all of the cards here.'
As Americans face rising costs, the national average for regular gasoline reached $4.49 per gallon on Friday, up from $3.16 a year ago, according to AAA. The organization noted that volatility in the Strait of Hormuz and high crude oil prices have contributed to the highest recorded national average for this time of year.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the economic pressures while arguing that allowing Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon would pose a greater risk. He stated, '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.'
During his address to the U.N. General Assembly, Trump outlined the stakes, presenting Tehran with a choice between a deal that would allow for rebuilding or facing severe U.S. action. Trump remarked, 'Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again?' He suggested that Iranian leaders are waiting to see the outcome of the midterm elections to gauge his negotiating strength.
A U.S. official reported that discussions through mediators have been 'positive and constructive,' but emphasized that the administration is not in a rush to finalize an agreement. The official noted that the U.S. maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz, which allows for a stable oil supply, predicting that oil and gas prices will return to pre-conflict levels.
Trump described the recent three-hour meeting with Iranian officials as 'very good' but Rubio cautioned against labeling the talks as a 'major breakthrough,' indicating they were a continuation of previous discussions. Rubio stated, 'I think it was significant that at least there was a conversation.'
Iran has proposed a seven-day plan to U.S. mediators that would restore passage through the Strait of Hormuz under certain conditions, followed by negotiations for a broader agreement. This proposal is based on a memorandum of understanding reached in June.
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains critical, with commercial traffic disrupted during the conflict, although U.S. officials report that oil transit is increasing. Pigott stated that the diplomatic door remains open and emphasized that the president's goal is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Rubio expressed concern that Iran may be misinterpreting U.S. political dynamics, suggesting they believe a Democratic victory in the midterms would limit Trump's actions against them. He reiterated that the president has significant powers to enforce sanctions and military actions.
The administration is also addressing threats to energy infrastructure in the region, particularly from Iran-backed Houthi rebels targeting Saudi Arabia. Rubio highlighted the importance of restoring a Saudi pipeline for both the Saudi and global economies, while reaffirming U.S. defense commitments to Saudi Arabia.