Trump says stopping ‘evil empire’ higher priority than surging oil prices

The president made the statement after oil prices surged in early morning trading in the U.S. following more Iranian attacks on oil tankers.

“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,” Trump said in a social media post. “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. I won’t ever let that happen!”

Trump’s post came shortly before Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei issued his first statement since being elevated to succeed his father.

Khamenei in part said closing the Strait of Hormuz should be used by Iran for leverage in the conflict.  — AP