US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that a nuclear agreement with Iran may never materialize, emphasizing ongoing efforts to degrade Tehran’s nuclear capabilities. This assessment comes as the conflict enters its seventh month, with military actions and sanctions intensifying economic pressure on the regime.

Wright Expresses Doubts About Potential Deal

During an appearance on ABC News’ “This Week,” Wright suggested the US might focus on dismantling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure rather than negotiating a deal. He highlighted a long-term strategy to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

“We are degrading their capacity to develop nuclear weapons and ultimately to deliver them if they develop them. It is a 47-year-long effort. This is not trivial, but the United States will get the job done and we will work in cooperation with our allies in the region,” Wright said.

Wright noted that these efforts could extend into future administrations. The primary military objective remains halting Iran’s crude exports to exert economic pressure.

Iran Warns of Severe Responses

Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned of more severe responses to US actions. This follows US strikes on Iranian oil tankers, which were retaliatory measures against missile attacks by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.

CENTCOM Admiral Brad Cooper confirmed that the US will continue to protect its forces and impose economic costs on Iran.

Trump Claims Control Over Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump stated that the US has “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for oil shipments. However, shipping data indicates commercial traffic remains severely constrained.

Trump urged oil companies to expand refining capacity to mitigate rising fuel costs. However, expanding refining capacity involves significant financial investments and time.

Despite volatility, Trump expressed confidence that the stock market will continue to rise. He acknowledged the economic costs of confronting Iran, predicting oil prices would increase and the stock market might experience fluctuations.

What the Numbers Show

The divergence between the administration’s claim of “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz and the reported 50% drop in maritime traffic highlights a significant disconnect between geopolitical assertions and operational reality in global energy logistics.

House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the Trump administration’s tax policies, claiming they put more money in Americans’ pockets. Meanwhile, former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized record-high diesel prices and ongoing military conflicts.

Tax Policy Debate

Johnson highlighted tax breaks for tipped and overtime workers, an expanded Child Tax Credit, and new investment accounts for children. He stated on X that these measures align with voter priorities and deliver tangible financial benefits.

In contrast, Greene criticized President Donald Trump on Wednesday, arguing that Washington’s spending and war costs, not American work ethic, drive economic problems. She shared a post where Trump complained about non-working holidays, asserting his policies hurt Americans by demanding more work to fund government spending.

Energy and Conflict

Greene attributed record-high diesel prices to the ongoing wars in Russia-Ukraine and Iran on Friday. She argued that these conflicts violate campaign promises and raise costs for goods delivered by diesel.

Separately, reports indicate Trump may declare an end to the war with Iran despite military challenges. The US maintains 50,000 troops in the region, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth extending deployments despite earlier promises of a swift resolution.

Regulatory Vacancies

The White House has vetted candidates for four vacant seats on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Nominations remain unclear, leaving the agency below its intended bipartisan structure of no more than three commissioners from one party.