Trump: Blocking Iranian Nuclear Weapon Is Only Focus in Iran Talks
President Trump told reporters he does not consider Americans' financial pressures when negotiating with Iran, emphasizing only the prevention of a nuclear weapon. His comments came as inflation reached 3.8 percent in April, its highest rate since 2023, and the national average gas price stood at $4.50 amid a largely closed Strait of Hormuz.
vanguardngr.comPresident Trump told reporters Tuesday that he does not think about Americans' financial situation as a motivation for negotiations with Iran. "The only thing that matters when I'm talking about Iran, they can't have a nuclear weapon," Trump said before leaving on a trip to Beijing for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
"I don't think about Americans' financial situation, I don't think about anybody," Trump said.
"Every American understands," he added. 8 percent, the highest inflation since 2023. A CBS News/YouGov poll last month found that 51 percent of Americans said higher gas prices pose a financial hardship or difficulty.
50 according to AAA. The Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed. Trump has said since the beginning of the war that the outcomes for Americans would be worse if Iran had a nuclear weapon.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio argued that if Iran attained nuclear weapons, it could manipulate markets and drive oil prices up. "Everybody needs to think about it this way," Rubio said in a briefing at the White House earlier this month.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- 2026-05-12
President Trump makes comments to reporters on Iran negotiations before departing for Beijing
1 sourceCBS News - 2026-04
Inflation rises to 3.8 percent annual rate
1 sourceCBS News - 2026-04
CBS News/YouGov poll shows 51% of Americans see higher gas prices as financial hardship
1 sourceCBS News - 2026-05-12
National average gas price reaches $4.50
1 sourceAAA via CBS News
Potential Impact
- 01
51% of Americans report financial hardship from higher gas prices according to recent polling
- 02
Slump in presidential economic support amid ongoing Middle East tensions
Transparency Panel
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