President Donald Trump on Monday called on U.S. and global oil producers to keep crude prices from spiking, following coordinated airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. The strikes targeted key sites at Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow, escalating tensions in the Gulf.
Trump posted on Truth Social: “EVERYONE, KEEP OIL PRICES DOWN. I’M WATCHING! YOU’RE PLAYING RIGHT INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY. DON’T DO IT!” He added: “DRILL, BABY, DRILL!!! And I mean NOW!!!”, framing energy as a national security issue amid fears of market instability.
Brent crude initially jumped more than 4% to breach $81 a barrel early Monday before settling near $76.90 as traders evaluated Iran’s response and continued tanker flow through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles roughly 20% of global oil shipments.
Despite Trump’s public appeal, there has been no major movement among U.S. producers to adjust supply. While Trump’s call echoed his first-term energy posture, most companies are focused on shareholder returns, not rapid output expansion. A Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) analyst noted that producers “base decisions on long-term economics, not presidential tweets”.
The Financial Times reported that U.S. output is expected to peak this year before declining in 2026, citing reduced investment and higher capital discipline across shale basins. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, when asked for specifics, said only, “We’re on it.”
Goldman Sachs analysts warned that Brent could breach $100 if Iran retaliates by disrupting Hormuz traffic, though current flows remain stable.
As of 11:27 p.m. ET, Brent crude was priced at $76.24 per barrel, down 1% on the day, while WTI was trading at $73.07. All eyes now turn to Tehran’s next move, and whether U.S. producers hold the line or respond to market signals.
By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com
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