WASHINGTON D.C March 12, 2026 – In a post from the White House account on X, President Donald J. Trump addressed the ongoing U.S. military campaign against Iran, highlighting the dual impact of rising oil prices and the imperative to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The statement comes amid a conflict that began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian facilities in late February, which have reportedly set back Tehran’s nuclear program by several years.
“The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money. BUT, of far greater interest and importance to me, as President, is stoping an evil Empire, Iran, from having Nuclear Weapons, and destroying the Middle East and, indeed, the World,” Trump stated in the post, signed off as President Donald J. Trump. The message, accompanied by an image of Trump speaking at a podium, underscores his long-standing position that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons—a stance he has reiterated over 74 times, according to a White House fact sheet.
The conflict escalated after Trump announced strikes aimed at eliminating threats from Iran’s missile and nuclear programs, with reports confirming the deaths of key Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Trump has described the operation as necessary to prevent an “intolerable threat” to the U.S. and its allies, emphasizing that an armed Iran would endanger global stability. In a recent Oval Office meeting, he contrasted his approach with the 2015 nuclear deal under President Obama, claiming it paved the way for Iran to legitimately pursue weapons—a claim fact-checkers have disputed, noting the deal imposed restrictions on Iran’s program.
Reactions to the president’s statement have been polarized. Supporters on X praised Trump’s decisiveness, with one user stating, “Trump’s Iran stance? Rock-solid from day one. No flip-flops—just maximum pressure, zero deals with terrorists.” Another echoed, “Those who voted for Trump shouldn’t be surprised… it’s the right and courageous choice.” Critics, however, highlighted the economic fallout, with comments like, ““We never wanted cheap gas” -MAGA,” sarcastically pointing to the burden on consumers. Ed Krassenstein accused Trump of gaslighting Americans on high oil prices, calling it “like an SNL skit.”
From Iran’s perspective, officials have denied seeking nuclear weapons and condemned the strikes as violations of international law. Analysts at Chatham House have criticized the U.S. actions for potentially normalizing force over diplomacy, noting Trump’s calls for Iranians to overthrow their government could incite further unrest. Trump has indicated openness to talks with new Iranian leadership but maintains that preventing nuclear armament remains non-negotiable.
As oil prices fluctuate amid the turmoil, Trump has framed the situation as a short-term sacrifice for long-term security, urging Americans to focus on the broader geopolitical stakes. The administration continues to assert that the U.S. military’s superiority ensures a swift resolution, though timelines have shifted since the campaign’s onset.
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