"No. 1: Oil. No. 2: Nuclear" | Vance's priorities and Trump's new decrees
In an interview with Fox News, the US Vice President clarified that the administration's approach focuses on economic pressure on Iran, with the ultimate goal of "keeping oil and gas cheap for Americans." Trump has imposed tariffs on drone imports deemed "sensitive to national security" and ordered a return to steam catapults on aircraft carriers, a move expected to cost the Navy billions of dollars.
"Goal number 1: to keep oil and gas cheap for Americans. Goal number 2: to ensure that Iran never obtains nuclear weapons." This is the order of priorities set on Thursday by US Vice President J.D. Vance, who was asked in an interview with Fox News about the end of the confrontation with Iran.
"I am confident that it will end when the US is in a stronger position, with Iran without nuclear weapons, and with the Strait of Hormuz returning to a state where oil and gas prices are stable for the American people," he said. He emphasized that the administration is using tools of pressure selectively and strategically to ensure stability in energy supplies from the Gulf states. According to the Vice President, although the Iranians are unpredictable and do not always honor their commitments, the US is moving toward achieving both goals.
Vance's words confirm the course of strong economic pressure. Against the background of discussions about a possible return to a memorandum of understanding, a senior Iranian official stated that "no progress has been made." In turn, Donald Trump noted: "They have 300% inflation, their currency has almost no value. Economically, they are in chaos. We control their money. I am their banker!".
New tariffs on drones
President Donald Trump announced the imposition of tariffs on the import of drones and their components, claiming that the country is "too dependent" on foreign sources. The White House announced that a 100% tariff would be imposed on drones "sensitive to national security needs," and a 25% tariff on smaller drones. Additionally, a 15% tariff will be imposed on products from the EU, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan, and a 10% tariff on those from the UK.
According to Trump, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick found that "import penetration from foreign manufacturers is significant," creating security risks as the American industry does not meet domestic demand. The tariffs will take effect in 21 days, except for less sensitive categories, for which a 180-day period is set.
Return to steam catapults
Trump also directed the US Navy to dismantle electromagnetic fighter jet launch systems on aircraft carriers and return to steam catapults. This decision, which senior Navy officials have opposed for years, is expected to cost billions of dollars. A national security memorandum directs the redesign of the fourth ship in the "Gerald Ford" class, the "Doris Miller," and all subsequent carriers.
"They are not as good, they are too complex," Trump said, referring to the electromagnetic systems. The White House stated that the shift to battle-tested steam and hydraulic systems will make carriers more durable and powerful, while also restarting parts of the maritime industrial base.
