The United States may not pursue a nuclear agreement with Iran, opting instead to focus on dismantling Tehran's ability to develop nuclear weapons, according to Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
Wright told ABC News' “This Week” on Sunday that the U.S. has already significantly diminished Iran's capacity to create a nuclear weapon and that President Trump might continue this proactive approach rather than negotiating a deal. "There may not be a nuclear agreement. It may be simply destroying their capabilities to do it," Wright said. "An agreement may await the next administration in Iran. We simply don’t know that."
He emphasized the critical importance of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, stating that such an event would drastically alter the Middle East and the world.
The Trump administration had previously engaged in discussions for a preliminary agreement, known as a memorandum of understanding, which outlined a framework for full-fledged negotiations. However, this MOU collapsed the following month. Since then, the administration has employed measures including blockading ships entering and exiting Iran and working to ensure oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump's primary objective concerning Iran has consistently been to prevent the regime from acquiring nuclear weapons. The administration has also been monitoring activities at Iran's underground facility at Pickaxe Mountain. Trump recently indicated a willingness to act if any concerning developments arise at the site, stating, "We may hit Pickaxe very soon because if there was anything going on with Pickaxe... We know everybody that’s moving at Pickaxe; we know everybody that’s moving everywhere all over Iran. And if anything goes bad, we hit them; we hit them hard."
In parallel, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent initiated "Operation Economic Outcast" last month, a campaign aimed at intensifying economic pressure on Iran by urging countries to cease business with the Islamic Republic. Bessent described it as the "greatest economic isolation operation in the HISTORY of the world," asserting the goal to "asphyxiate the regime."
These economic measures have reportedly been crippling for Iran, a nation that has long endured sanctions. Some Iranian officials have acknowledged the impact of these actions, with the country's currency experiencing a significant decline. Wright explained that the strategy involves degrading Iran's capacity to develop and deliver nuclear weapons, characterizing it as a "47-year-long effort" in which the United States is working with regional allies to ensure success.
Regarding domestic energy prices, Wright expressed optimism about potential decreases. He noted that the Trump administration has adjusted refinery specifications to facilitate increased gasoline and diesel production and has worked to maintain oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz. He also mentioned efforts to grow energy production in the long term across various regions, including Venezuela, to stabilize prices and supply chains.