On March 12 local time, Trump wrote on his social media: "The United States is the world's largest oil producer, far ahead of others, so when oil prices rise, we can make a lot of money. However, as president, what is more important and meaningful to me is to prevent the evil Iranian empire from acquiring nuclear weapons, thus avoiding its destruction of the Middle East and even the entire world. I will never let this happen!"
This statement by Trump reassured voters concerned about oil prices domestically, and sent an extremely strong signal to Iran abroad, showcasing his一贯的 "transactional" foreign policy style and distinctive personal characteristics.
Specifically, Trump first emphasized the status of the United States as the world's largest oil producer. He directly stated that rising oil prices could allow the United States to "make a lot of money," continuing his usual transactional mindset equating national interests with commercial interests. Combined with his support for traditional energy during his tenure, this statement was also a message to the domestic energy industry, consolidating his base of support.
Secondly, shifting the topic to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons was a clever political move. When domestic oil prices rose due to various reasons, he used a broader geopolitical goal (preventing nuclear war) to offset potential voter dissatisfaction caused by rising oil prices. This effectively implied that the current oil prices were a cost paid to "prevent evil."
His remarks showed an extremely hardline stance toward Iran.
He referred to Iran as the "evil Iranian Empire" and claimed it would destroy the Middle East and even the world, which is a very firm characterization. The purpose was to gain leverage before possible negotiations through maximum pressure.
It also aimed to find moral and strategic justifications for potential military strikes or resuming extreme pressure policies in the future.
Trump avoided the three conditions proposed by Iran to end the war recently.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859484261105676/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.