It took gas prices hitting $4 per gallon for Donald Trump to rediscover the virtues of geopolitical pragmatism. Read more: trump replays gulf Read more: trump discovers iran Just yesterday, Iran was the embodiment of absolute evil, the regime to topple, Israel's sworn enemy that had to be economically strangled. Today, according to the New York Times, the American president declares without flinching: "I would do whatever was necessary to lower oil prices" — including lifting sanctions on Iranian oil, as suggested by his Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Allow me to translate this presidential declaration: "My geopolitical principles end where American drivers' complaints begin."
The Art of the Trumpian About-Face
This March 20, 2026 announcement deserves to be inscribed in the annals of political incoherence. Let's recall the facts: Trump had reinforced sanctions against Iran during his first term, calling Tehran's regime the "world's greatest sponsor of terrorism." His Republican allies spent years explaining that yielding an inch of ground to Iran was equivalent to betraying Israel and the entire West.
But here's the thing: oil prices are climbing, Americans are grumbling at every gas station visit, and suddenly, Iranian mullahs aren't so diabolical anymore. Scott Bessent, the new Treasury Secretary, even had the audacity to declare that "removing sanctions on Iranian oil would lower global prices" — an economic truth that any first-year student understands, but which seems to be a revelation for this administration.
Canada Laughs, France Sighs, China Smiles
Let's observe how our four countries manage their energy contradictions. Canada assumes its paradoxes: Trudeau preaches green transition while selling his tar sands oil. It's hypocritical, but at least it's consistent in its hypocrisy.
France chose nuclear fifty years ago and watches this American-Iranian circus with the condescending amusement of someone who solved their energy problem when others were still wearing bell-bottoms. Macron must be thinking: "They're discovering that geopolitics is complicated? How cute."
As for China, it must be jubilant. Beijing, which already discreetly buys Iranian oil despite sanctions, sees the United States about to legitimize what it's been doing for years. Xi Jinping doesn't even need to lift a finger: he's watching Trump contort himself all alone.
Iran, America's New Best Friend?
The most delicious part of this story is the embarrassment it will create among Washington's traditional allies. Israel, which counted on Iran's economic strangulation, will have to digest the fact that its great American protector is about to refill Tehran's coffers. Saudi Arabia, which saw anti-Iranian sanctions as a way to maintain high prices, will discover the joys of competition.
And what about the Europeans, who spent years laboriously negotiating with Iran on nuclear issues, being called naive by Trump? They'll now see the same Trump extending his hand to the Iranians for purely economic reasons. The irony is so thick you could cut it with a knife.
The Realpolitik Lesson
This about-face reveals a truth that Trump, despite himself, illustrates perfectly: in geopolitics, there are no eternal friends, only temporary interests. When gas prices threaten your reelection, even the axis of evil becomes negotiable.
The problem is that this purely transactional approach destroys American credibility. How can you take future sanctions threats seriously when you know they can be lifted as soon as polls drop? How can you trust an ally who changes enemies according to Brent crude fluctuations?
The Iranians must be rubbing their hands together. After years of sanctions that strangled their economy, they see their main adversary coming to beg for their oil. It's a major geopolitical reversal, and they know it.
The Essence of Trumpian Politics
Ultimately, this announcement perfectly summarizes the Trump presidency: impulsive decisions, dictated by the urgency of the moment, without consideration for long-term consequences. Never mind if it contradicts everything he said before, never mind if it destabilizes alliances — what matters is solving the immediate problem.
It's gas station politics: when the displayed price hurts, you change suppliers. Even if that supplier was yesterday still a mortal enemy.
VERDICT: 2/10 for geopolitical coherence, 8/10 for shameless opportunism. Trump just proved that in politics, principles are soluble in gasoline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Trump considering lifting sanctions on Iranian oil?
Trump is considering lifting sanctions on Iranian oil as a response to rising gas prices in the U.S., which have reached $4 per gallon. His Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, suggested that removing these sanctions could help lower global oil prices.
Q: How did Trump's stance on Iran change recently?
Trump's stance on Iran shifted dramatically from viewing it as a major threat to considering negotiations over sanctions. This change appears to be driven by the need to address domestic concerns about high gas prices, indicating a pragmatic approach to foreign policy.
Q: What are the implications of lifting sanctions on Iranian oil?
Lifting sanctions on Iranian oil could potentially lower global oil prices, benefiting American consumers. However, it raises questions about the U.S.'s commitment to its previous stance against Iran, which was framed as a fight against terrorism and support for Israel.