Per Woofun AI, U.S. President Donald Trump disclosed on June 18 that the primary objective of negotiating a memorandum of understanding with Iran was to prevent conflict escalation from triggering a global economic recession. In an interview with Axios, Trump asserted that the U.S. had 'totally defeated them militarily,' emphasizing the nation's capability to enforce a blockade with fully manned naval assets that prevented Iranian transit.

Trump expressed frustration toward domestic critics questioning his resolve, warning that sustained bombing of Iranian targets would render the Strait of Hormuz unnavigable. He cautioned that such actions would halt oil flows indefinitely, creating a scenario where 'nobody can come in [or] out.' Sources familiar with the matter indicated Trump privately voiced concerns regarding depleting global oil reserves and the potential for a systemic oil crisis should the critical waterway remain closed.