Oil Crosses $100 Again as Trump Declares Iran’s Nuclear Program His Real Target

Global oil prices crossed the $100-per-barrel mark for the second time this week Thursday, yet President Trump made clear his real target in the conflict with Iran is not energy markets but Tehran’s nuclear weapons program. In a Truth Social post, Trump stated that halting Iran’s nuclear ambitions is of “far greater importance” than the oil price surge currently alarming global economies. The IEA described the ongoing supply disruption as the worst in global market history.
Gulf oil producers have reportedly reduced output by 10 million barrels per day amid the fighting — approximately 10% of global demand. The Strait of Hormuz has been closed since the conflict began. Brent crude gained as much as 10% Thursday to briefly exceed $100 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate climbed close to $96. The IEA released 400 million barrels of emergency reserves from its member nations to cushion the shock.
Trump posted on Truth Social that the United States, as the world’s largest oil producer by a wide margin, earns significant revenue when oil prices climb. But he then shifted to his primary concern, calling Iran an “evil Empire” and pledging to stop it from developing nuclear weapons that could devastate the Middle East and threaten the world. He stated categorically that he would never allow this outcome.
The declaration redefines the terms of the conflict for all stakeholders. Rather than ending when oil prices stabilize, the war will continue until Washington’s nuclear containment objectives are met. Trump reinforced this Wednesday, telling reporters outside the White House that US forces have delivered extraordinary military punishment to Iran and are not yet done. His earlier suggestions of an imminent end to the conflict remain difficult to reconcile with these statements.
The US is releasing 172 million barrels from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve as part of the broader IEA emergency response. Trump dismissed any concerns about Iran striking American territory. As global markets grapple with a historic energy crisis, Trump’s declaration makes clear that oil prices are merely the backdrop to what he views as a defining nuclear confrontation.