How Big Oil is feeling about Trump’s Iran war

How Big Oil is feeling about Trump’s Iran war

From POLITICO Energy by POLITICO

April 17, 2026 · 14 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the impact of escalating tensions with Iran on U.S. oil production and prices, along with the political implications for President Trump ahead of the midterms.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum urged top U.S. oil and gas executives on a call Thursday to increase their companies' production in an effort to lower oil prices. The conversation comes as tensions with Iran escalate and high energy costs are putting pressure on consumers and President Donald Trump’s approval ratings ahead of the midterms. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down the White House’s strategy, how oil companies are feeling right now, and the broader economic and political implications of the Iran war. Plus, the largest renewable energy project in U.S. history has begun generating electricity, and the Trump administration has completed its review of Biden-era projects, keeping about 80 percent. Ben Lefebvre is the deputy energy editor at POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and executive producer of POLITICO Energy. Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. Cyril Zaneski is executive editor of POLITICO’s E&E News. Debra Kahn is the editorial director for energy and environmental coverage at POLITICO. Veronica Tejera is the deputy head of Audio/Video at POLITICO. Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Follow the show on Apple…

People in this episode

Hosts: Ben Lefebvre, Nirmal Mulaikal

Topics covered

  • oil production
  • Iran tensions
  • energy prices
  • political implications
  • renewable energy
  • Trump administration

Keywords

  • oil prices
  • Iran
  • energy executives
  • Trump
  • renewable energy
  • midterms
  • political strategy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: POLITICO, Biden

Places: U.S.

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