Overview
- Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Sunday there “may not be” a nuclear agreement with Iran and that the United States may have to destroy Tehran’s ability to build a weapon rather than secure a deal.
- President Donald Trump separately warned U.S. forces “may hit Pickaxe very soon,” identifying the fortified Pickaxe Mountain site as a possible target if evidence of nuclear work is found.
- U.S. military action has resumed this past week with strikes near Qeshm Island, Chabahar and Bandar Abbas and confrontations involving oil tankers and naval vessels, including U.S. strikes on three Iranian tankers after Iran targeted U.S. ships.
- The Treasury launched “Operation Economic Outcast,” an unprecedented effort to cut off Iranian regime revenue by choking sales of crude and related products as a long-term lever to change Tehran’s policies or leadership.
- Officials say diplomacy remains possible if Iran’s future leadership changes, but the new public posture raises fresh risks for oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, global fuel prices and civilians who rely on Iran’s economy.