U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Friday that the United States could block Iran's oil exports as part of its plan to put pressure on Tehran on its nuclear program.

Trump returned to the White House in January, and during his first term, he pulled the United States out of the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran and severely restricted its oil exports. His latest move once again gave the United States a tougher attitude towards nuclear activities in the Middle East power.

Wright said in an interview during his visit to Abu Dhabi that he believes the U.S. Gulf allies are extremely concerned about Iran's possession of nuclear weapons and agree with the U.S. determination that such results are not in the best interest of either party.

Iranian oil exports have recovered after Trump’s first term, during Biden’s administration, and according to industry data, Iranian oil exports have not shown a decline so far in 2025.

When asked how the U.S. imposes extreme pressure on Tehran, Wright said: "This is actually very feasible. President Trump did do that in his first term. We can track ships leaving Iran. We know where they go. We can block Iran's oil exports."

When asked if the United States would intercept Iranian ships directly at sea, he said: "I don't intend to talk about how it will be done. ButCan we ‘tighten’ the ‘screw’ to Iran? 100% OK。”

On the 12th local time, the White House said that the direct communication between U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East issue of Witkov and Iran on the same day was a "step toward achieving mutually beneficial results."Both parties agreed to meet again on the 19th. Witkov stressed to Iranian Foreign Minister Aragic that he had received instructions from Trump to resolve the differences between the two countries through dialogue and diplomacy as much as possible. The White House said the discussion with Iran was very positive and constructive.

According to AXIOS website, two people familiar with the matter saidA second round of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran is expected to be held in Rome this Saturday.It is reported that the Trump administration's first round of talks held in OmanFeel satisfied, the talks were carried out as planned and achieved the goal of transforming the form from indirect treatment through intermediaries to direct dialogue between officials.

The second round of location conversion was proposed by the US side. Although it was not held in Oman, the Omanian mediator will attend.The second round of negotiations could also leave Iranian and U.S. officials sitting in the same room. Currently, the United States hopes to see Iran take measures in the near future to further distance its nuclear program from weaponization. One of the sources saidOne of the steps could be to "dilute" Iran's stockpile of 60% enriched uranium close to weapon level, which is enough to create six nuclear bombs. A spokesman for the Iranian foreign ministry said last Sunday that Iran's goal is to lift sanctions.

Trump said last Sunday that he expected a decision on the Iran issue soon. He told reporters on Air Force One that he met with an Iranian advisor and expected a quick decision. He did not reveal any more details.

Regarding the oil market, Wright predicts that under Trump's policy, oil demand and supply outlook will be positive in the coming years and market concerns about economic growth will prove wrong.

He saidComfortable oil prices are not significantly different from “our level today.But of course, the industry must be profitable to drive growth. I think this will come from the combination of the Trump administration’s elimination of structural barriers and the industry’s own innovation. Under President Trump's leadership,We will almost certainly see lower average energy prices in the next four years than in the last four years of the previous administration.” He declined to comment on specific price targets.

Wright said the United States has “no direct coordination” with OPEC+ oil producers on its decision to increase production, “but we have a very close relationship with key allies in the Gulf.” He added that he believes these allies agree with the Trump administration's view that "the world needs more energy."

A few days after taking office, Trump publicly called on OPEC and its actual leader Saudi Arabia to lower oil prices, and the group's increased production has exacerbated the plunge caused by Trump's announcement of comprehensive tariffs last week.