U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated on Sunday that a deal to limit Iran's nuclear capabilities may not be reached, as the U.S.-Iran conflict continues. Wright mentioned on ABC News' "This Week" that, "There may not be a nuclear agreement. It may be simply destroying their capabilities to do it." He added that an agreement might depend on future Iranian administrations.
Wright emphasized that the U.S. aims to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, suggesting that military action may be necessary if diplomatic solutions fail. He stated, "You have to destroy their capabilities to do it," highlighting ongoing efforts to degrade Iran's nuclear development capacity.
During an appearance on CBS' "Face the Nation," Wright reiterated that President Donald Trump prefers a negotiated settlement but will resort to military options if necessary. He noted that the U.S. military's role in the region includes stopping the export of Iranian oil and gas, aiming to weaken Iran's economy.
In response, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Iran's responses to U.S. actions would be more severe, stating that any violation of Iran's interests would be met with a "faster, heavier, and more painful" response. He acknowledged the economic challenges facing Iran, including inflation and unemployment, and called for increased reliance on domestic production.
Wright's comments followed recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian oil carriers, which were described by U.S. Central Command as retaliation for missile attacks on U.S. Navy ships. CENTCOM reported that one oil carrier was permanently disabled, and U.S. forces successfully avoided harm during the attacks.
Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, stated, "If you shoot at two of our ships, we will impose an even higher economic cost — taking out three of yours." Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that U.S. forces would respond decisively to threats.
The conflict has significantly impacted Iran's oil exports, with a U.S. blockade disrupting flows since mid-April. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil supply, has been affected since the conflict escalated on February 28.
Recent U.S. sanctions targeting Iranian financial institutions and sectors have further strained Iran's economy, which the World Bank estimates contracted by 2.7% in the year ending March. Inflation rates have surged, with food prices experiencing significant increases. An Iranian official reported that the conflict has resulted in the loss of approximately one million jobs.