Oil Passes $100 as Trump Posts His Historic Nuclear Pledge Against Iran

The moment Brent crude crossed $100 per barrel Thursday, President Trump was not focused on oil markets — he was posting on Truth Social about nuclear weapons. Trump stated that stopping Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities is “far greater” in importance than the oil price surge, calling Iran an “evil Empire” and pledging to prevent it from going nuclear at any cost. The post was one of the most direct statements of presidential priorities in the current crisis, and it carried significant implications for the conflict’s trajectory.
The oil disruption providing the backdrop is historic. Gulf producers have cut output by approximately 10 million barrels per day — about 10% of global demand — and the Strait of Hormuz has been closed since fighting began. Brent crude rose as much as 10% Thursday before briefly topping $100 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate climbed toward $96. The IEA described the disruption as the largest oil supply shock ever recorded and coordinated the release of 400 million barrels from member nation reserves.
Trump’s post on Truth Social acknowledged the financial reality: the United States earns more money when oil prices rise, given its position as the world’s largest crude producer. But he immediately directed attention to a higher priority — preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons that could destroy the Middle East and destabilize the world. He vowed unconditionally to stop this from happening.
The pledge has strategic meaning. It signals that the administration will not conclude the conflict on economic terms alone but will insist on addressing the nuclear question. This was underscored on Wednesday when Trump told reporters that American forces have struck Iran with almost unparalleled force in history and that the campaign is not yet finished. Trump also mentioned earlier that he believed the war would end soon — a contradiction that has not been fully explained.
The US is releasing 172 million barrels from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Trump said he has no worry about Iran attacking American soil. As the conflict continues with no end in sight on Trump’s terms, global energy markets remain in an unprecedented state of disruption and uncertainty.