Trump says Americans’ financial struggles not his focus during Iran negotiations

US President Donald Trump has said that Americans’ financial difficulties are “not even a little bit” a factor in his approach to negotiations with Iran, stating that his sole focus is preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Trump made the remarks while speaking to reporters on May 11 before departing the White House for an official visit to China. When asked whether rising economic pressure on Americans was motivating efforts to reach a deal with Iran, Trump replied: “Not even a little bit.”

“The only thing that matters when I'm talking about Iran, they can't have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said. “I don't think about Americans' financial situation. I don't think about anybody.”

The comments come as the ongoing Iran conflict continues to impact global energy markets and the US economy. Recent inflation data showed consumer prices in the US rose 3.8% in April compared with a year earlier, marking the highest increase in three years. Fuel prices have also surged during the conflict, with the national average gasoline price reportedly rising above $4.50 per gallon.

Trump nevertheless defended his administration’s policies, insisting the economic pressure was temporary and arguing that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons outweighed short-term financial hardship.

The US president also said he believed Americans understood the stakes involved in the Iran conflict. “Every American understands that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said during the interaction with reporters.

His remarks drew criticism from political opponents and renewed debate over the domestic economic impact of the conflict. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticised Trump’s comments on social media after clips of the exchange circulated online.

The war involving the US, Israel and Iran has entered its third month following the large-scale strikes launched in February. The conflict disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and contributed to volatility in oil markets worldwide.

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, negotiations between Washington and Tehran have repeatedly stalled over Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief and regional security issues.

Trump has consistently maintained that the US will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons, while Tehran insists its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes.

Trump also suggested that falling oil prices could follow if a deal is eventually reached and tensions in the Gulf region ease.