Preventing "evil empire" Iran from possessing nuclear weapons is far more important than rising oil prices, President Donald Trump said Thursday, emphasizing that national security and global stability remain his top priorities amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Trump argued that while the war with Iran has caused volatility in global energy markets, stopping Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons must come first.
"The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
"BUT, of far greater interest and importance to me, as President, is stopping an evil Empire, Iran, from having Nuclear Weapons, and destroying the Middle East and, indeed, the World."
"I won't ever let that happen!" Trump added.
Oil markets have experienced sharp swings since the United States and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury on Feb. 28, targeting Iran's nuclear program and missile capabilities.
Prices briefly surged near $120 a barrel earlier this week amid concerns that the conflict could disrupt supplies from the Persian Gulf, one of the world's most critical oil shipping regions.
Despite the volatility, Trump has insisted the United States is well-positioned to weather any energy disruptions thanks to its dominant oil production.
As part of efforts to stabilize prices, Trump announced he will tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to help ease energy costs for American consumers if necessary.
"Well, we'll do that and then we'll fill it up," Trump told WKRC-TV during a visit to Thermo Fisher Scientific in Cincinnati.
"I filled it up once, and I'll fill it up again, but right now we'll reduce it a little bit, and that brings the prices down."
The International Energy Agency also announced a release of 400 million barrels from emergency reserves, the largest in the organization's history, aimed at preventing major global energy disruptions caused by the war.
Energy markets have begun to stabilize. Brent crude traded around $93 a barrel in after-hours trading Wednesday, well below the recent spike.
Trump has frequently highlighted America's energy independence, arguing that strong domestic production gives the United States leverage during global crises.
During his first term, Trump attempted to fill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve after oil prices collapsed during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, funding for the purchase was blocked by Democrats in Congress.
The reserve currently holds roughly 416 million barrels, well below the 638 million barrels held when Trump left office in 2021 after the Biden administration drew down supplies to combat rising fuel prices.
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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