Energy Secretary Wright: U.S. Can Bring Iran’s Oil Exports to Zero
The United States could halt Iranian oil exports if it increases pressure on Tehran to ensure that it will never obtain a nuclear weapon, U.S. Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, told Reuters during a visit to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The U.S. allies in the Gulf region, which include the UAE and Saudi Arabia, are very concerned by the prospect of an Iran with a nuclear weapon and share the U.S. position that Iran shouldn’t be allowed to have one, Secretary Wright told Reuters.
The top U.S. energy official is on a tour in the Middle East in what is his first official foreign visit since taking office. In his talks with Saudi, Emirati, and Qatari officials, the U.S. energy secretary is expected to seek to ensure an abundant global supply of oil from countries that are not under U.S. sanctions.
In restoring the “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump directed the Secretary of State to “implement a robust and continual campaign, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury and other relevant executive departments or agencies, to drive Iran’s export of oil to zero, including exports of Iranian crude to the People’s Republic of China.”
After tightening the screws on Iran’s oil trade and oil flows, the Trump Administration is seeking negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program.
The U.S. and Iran are preparing for high-level nuclear talks in Oman on Saturday, with Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi acting as an intermediary in the indirect U.S.-Iran discussions.
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Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei posted on X on Friday that Iran’s foreign minister heads to Oman with full authority for indirect talks with the U.S.
“Tehran seeks a real, just deal—away from media show and rhetoric. Key proposals are ready. If Washington shows determination for a deal, the path to agreement will be clear,” Shamkhani wrote.
Source: Oilprice.com
