US President Donald Trump said Americans’ financial difficulties are not influencing his decision-making as he seeks to negotiate an end to the Iran war, insisting that preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon remains his sole priority.
Speaking to reporters before departing the White House for a trip to China, Trump dismissed the idea that domestic economic pressures were shaping his approach.
“Not even a little bit,” he said when asked whether Americans’ financial situation factored into his decisions.
“The only thing that matters, when I’m talking about Iran, they can’t have a nuclear weapon,” he added. “I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation. I don’t think about anybody. I think about one thing.”
The remarks are expected to draw political scrutiny, particularly as rising living costs and inflation remain key concerns for US voters ahead of the November midterm elections.
A White House official, Steven Cheung, defended Trump’s comments, saying the president’s “ultimate responsibility is the safety and security of Americans” and warning that Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon would pose a direct threat to the United States.
Trump has also faced pressure from within his own party, with some Republicans warning that prolonged conflict and rising energy costs could trigger voter backlash in upcoming elections.
Energy prices have already climbed amid disruptions linked to the Iran conflict, contributing to an increase in US inflation, which recently recorded its sharpest rise in three years.
While Trump maintains that preventing nuclear proliferation is the top objective, US intelligence assessments reportedly suggest that Iran’s estimated timeline to develop a nuclear weapon has not significantly changed in recent months.
Analysts have also noted that despite ongoing military tensions, Tehran’s nuclear capabilities remain largely consistent with previous estimates.
Iran continues to deny any intention to develop nuclear weapons, insisting its programme is for civilian purposes, while Western governments maintain concerns over its long-term ambitions.
