President Donald Trump drew political backlash Tuesday after stating that Americans’ personal financial conditions are not a factor in his approach to negotiations related to the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Speaking to reporters before departing for an overseas trip, Trump was asked whether the economic impact of the war, including rising fuel and food prices, affected his calculations in pursuing a potential agreement with Iran. The president responded that financial concerns were not part of his decision-making process and said his priority remained preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

The comments quickly generated criticism from political opponents and some economic analysts, who argued that Americans are increasingly feeling the financial effects of instability in the Middle East. Gasoline prices and transportation costs have risen sharply in recent weeks as disruptions in the Persian Gulf and concerns over oil shipments affected global energy markets.

The White House has defended the administration’s strategy toward Iran, arguing that national security concerns outweigh short-term economic pressures. Trump has repeatedly emphasized that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons remains the administration’s central objective, even as ceasefire negotiations and diplomatic efforts have stalled.