Trump is seething over Iran's exploitation of one of his biggest political vulnerabilities as soaring oil prices threaten to undermine his ability to declare victoryTrump is seething over Iran's exploitation of one of his biggest political vulnerabilities as soaring oil prices threaten to undermine his ability to declare victory

'It's a concern': Iran getting under Trump's skin by derailing his war plans

2026/03/12 22:08
2 min read
For feedback or concerns regarding this content, please contact us at [email protected]

Trump is seething over Iran's exploitation of one of his biggest political vulnerabilities as soaring oil prices threaten to undermine his ability to declare victory in the war and devastate his economic messaging ahead of midterms.
While the president attempts to put on a happy face over the military successes in Operation Epic Fury, Iran's deliberate disruption of energy markets has become an acute political headache. The regime is weaponizing oil prices—Trump's most visible economic liability—as a strategic response to the military campaign.
According to Axios, Trump administration officials warn that the conflict could extend indefinitely if Iran successfully throttles the Strait of Hormuz and drives prices beyond Trump's tolerance threshold. "The Iranians f------ around with the Strait makes him more dug in," a senior administration official told Axios, describing a vicious cycle where energy market manipulation only hardens Trump's commitment to prolonging the conflict.

RELATED: Iran is scheming to 'freak Trump out' by going after his 'soft underbelly': expert
Oil has already become Trump's obsession, consuming as much of his attention as battlefield intelligence. A Trump adviser acknowledged the internal tension: "The president sees the briefings. He sees the numbers. And he feels good about his decision, militarily. Oil is another matter. No one is panicking, but it's a concern. He's pulling out the stops. There's plenty of oil. It's just getting it on the market that's the thing."
Trump's preferred price point is $50 per barrel. The oil industry targets around $60. Despite Trump's intervention, crude topped $100 Wednesday night after spiking as high as $120 earlier in the week.
Iran has threatened to push prices to $200 per barrel—a move that would translate to approximately $5 per gallon at U.S. pumps, according to analysts.
Domestically, the war is deeply unpopular. Trump's personal approval ratings are at historic lows, and gas prices—once his signature economic achievement—have become his most visible political liability heading into critical midterm elections.

You can read more here.

Disclaimer: The articles reposted on this site are sourced from public platforms and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the views of MEXC. All rights remain with the original authors. If you believe any content infringes on third-party rights, please contact [email protected] for removal. MEXC makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content and is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided. The content does not constitute financial, legal, or other professional advice, nor should it be considered a recommendation or endorsement by MEXC.