US Energy Secretary Signals Nuclear Deal with Iran May Be Impossible

Key points

• Chris Wright told ABC News that 'there may not be a nuclear agreement' with Iran, proposing that the US may need to destroy Iran's nuclear capabilities through military action instead.
• Wright stated that a diplomatic agreement might only be possible after a change in Iran's government, noting that the US remains open to a deal but is currently focused on degrading Iran's capacity to develop weapons.
• The US military is actively blocking Iranian oil exports to pressure the regime, with Wright describing this as 'strangling their economy' to force a policy change or regime shift.
• Wright declined to guarantee the safety of the Strait of Hormuz for unescorted vessels, stating that transits currently require US Navy escort and are not at pre-conflict levels.
• The conflict, which began on February 28, 2026, has continued for seven months, with recent strikes on Iranian oil tankers following Iranian attacks on US naval ships.

Background

The US and Israel launched a military campaign against Iran on February 28, 2026, which has evolved into a prolonged conflict. A June interim agreement to end military operations collapsed without resolving the status of Iran's nuclear program. Previous diplomatic efforts, including a memorandum of understanding, have failed to produce a lasting settlement. The conflict has significantly disrupted global energy markets, with the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed to unescorted traffic. Economic pressure has intensified, with Iran's GDP contracting by 2.7% and inflation reaching 62.2% in February, according to the World Bank.

How outlets are covering it

The Guardian and Al Jazeera highlight Wright's comments as a potential pivot from diplomacy to military action, noting that the US may accept the absence of a nuclear deal. CNBC emphasizes the economic strategy, detailing how the US is blocking Iranian oil exports to force a regime change or policy shift. Politico focuses on the terminology used by US officials, noting that while Wright calls it a 'conflict,' Vice President JD Vance and President Trump have downplayed the situation, with Vance refusing to call it a 'war.' All sources agree that the conflict remains active, with recent strikes on Iranian oil tankers and Iranian threats of further retaliation.

Why it matters

Wright's remarks signal a potential shift in US strategy from seeking a negotiated nuclear deal to relying on military and economic pressure to neutralize Iran's nuclear program. This could prolong the conflict and increase global energy instability, as the US continues to block Iranian oil exports and maintain a naval presence in the Strait of Hormuz. The lack of a diplomatic resolution may lead to further military engagements and economic sanctions, impacting global oil prices and regional stability.

What to watch

The US is likely to continue military strikes against Iranian nuclear infrastructure and oil exports if a diplomatic deal is not reached. Iran may respond with further attacks on US naval assets or oil tankers. The conflict could persist for months, with the US maintaining a naval presence in the Gulf to enforce the blockade. Diplomatic efforts may resume if Iran's government changes or if economic pressure forces Tehran to negotiate.