Waltz signals deals, threats and oil all in play as Trump shapes foreign policy

The United States is pursuing a foreign policy that keeps diplomatic deals, direct threats and energy resources firmly on the table, according to U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz, as the Trump administration intensifies its engagement with some of the world's most volatile flashpoints.

Waltz has placed Iran and Venezuela at the centre of Washington's current international focus, signalling that the administration is prepared to apply pressure while leaving room for negotiation depending on how those governments respond to American demands.

Oil remains a significant factor underpinning the strategic calculations around both countries, reflecting the administration's broader tendency to link economic leverage with its diplomatic and security objectives.