Trump Vows Openness to Iran Talks Amid Rising Oil Prices and Regional Tensions
Trump claims rising prices stem from Ukraine war, not Iran. Oil surges as Houthi attacks escalate in Red Sea.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — Oil prices climbed above $108 per barrel on Monday following fresh Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia and Iranian attacks on vessels in the Gulf of Oman.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed openness to renewed negotiations with Iran but emphasized that any decision would rest solely with him. In a post on Truth Social, he stated, The failing Nation of Iran wants to make a deal, quickly and badly. I will determine whether or not the U.S.A. will choose to engage.
Trump also shifted blame for the surge in fuel costs away from his policies, instead attributing it to former President Joe Biden’s administration. He claimed, “Even Oil was higher under Biden than it is right now,” while insisting that the rise in diesel prices was due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, not hostilities involving Iran.
Saudi Arabia’s shutdown of a key oil pipeline in response to drone attacks contributed to the spike in crude prices. Brent crude rose by approximately 3% to $108 per barrel early Monday.
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Oman canceled planned talks with Iran regarding the future of the Strait of Hormuz, citing the need for consensus. The meeting had aimed to address shipping route governance, which handles roughly 20% of global oil traffic.
The Houthi rebels in Yemen have expanded their control over critical waterways in the Red Sea, including the strategic islands of Greater and Lesser Hanish. This move intensifies pressure on Saudi Arabia and raises concerns about regional stability.
Meanwhile, Iran accused Saudi Arabia of influencing Oman’s decision to delay the diplomatic session. The situation underscores the growing tensions between regional powers amid ongoing military conflicts.
In other developments, Saudi Arabia’s energy minister announced the discovery of 110 million tons of uranium-containing materials in Medina, though U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed no plans for uranium enrichment in the country.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
