Trump’s Iran push pits nuclear leverage against economy and markets

Trump’s remark that he won’t consider Americans’ finances while pressuring Iran reveals a core dilemma: he wants to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions without triggering inflation or market volatility in an election year. With talks stalled after Iran’s counterproposal, U.S. officials weigh options—from renewed naval pressure in the Strait of Hormuz to a possible bombing campaign—that could raise oil prices and shake markets, even as Iran bets on time and Democrats prepare to use the quote in ads.