The chances of a new US-Iran nuclear agreement appear increasingly uncertain after U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Washington may ultimately be unable to reach a deal with Tehran. Wright suggested that military efforts to weaken Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons could continue if diplomacy fails.
His comments came as the conflict between the United States and Iran continued into its seventh month, with attacks involving American and Iranian forces and growing pressure on energy supplies and oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Nuclear Deal Could Remain Out of Reach
Speaking during a television interview on Sunday, Wright said there was no guarantee that the Trump administration would secure a nuclear agreement with Iran. He indicated that a future Iranian government could eventually be the one to negotiate such an agreement.
The administration has repeatedly said that Iran must not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. Wright argued that U.S. military operations have already reduced Iran’s ability to develop the infrastructure needed to produce and deliver such weapons.
He said Washington’s efforts to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities could remain a long-term process and would involve cooperation with regional allies.
The uncertainty marks a significant shift from the earlier emphasis on reaching a negotiated settlement. President Donald Trump has also recently indicated that he is not particularly concerned about whether Tehran ultimately agrees to a deal, while U.S. officials continue applying economic and military pressure.
Military Pressure and Economic Costs Continue
The latest comments came amid renewed military activity between the two countries. Recent exchanges have included Iranian attacks involving U.S. naval assets and American strikes against Iranian oil tankers.
The United States has also continued efforts to restrict Iran’s oil exports and maintain pressure on the country’s economy. Officials in Washington have argued that the strategy is intended to force Tehran to change its policies and reduce its ability to sustain military operations.
The Strait of Hormuz remains another major concern. Wright said the seven-day average of oil moving through the strategically important waterway had risen above 9 million barrels per day. Additional oil is being transported through bypass pipelines in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, bringing total regional flows to roughly 13 million to 14 million barrels per day, according to his comments.
Higher Gas Prices Add Pressure on Washington
The conflict is also affecting American consumers through higher gasoline and diesel prices. U.S. gasoline prices have remained significantly above levels recorded during the same period last year, increasing political pressure on the administration.
Wright said market futures indicate gasoline prices could fall in the coming months as summer driving demand declines. He also pointed to changes in refinery requirements and efforts to increase fuel production as measures intended to ease prices.
For now, however, the future of the Iran nuclear deal remains unclear. With military operations continuing and diplomatic progress uncertain, Washington appears prepared to maintain pressure on Tehran while leaving open the possibility that a future Iranian administration could eventually return to negotiations.
