There’s vastly too much hand-wringing over President Trump’s diplomacy and potential dealmaking with Iran, and it’s coming from friends and foes alike. I think it has more to do with America’s crumbling political infrastructure, than it does regarding the merits of Mr. Trump’s efforts.

First of all, the so-called memorandum of understanding is a nonbinding political document which simply outlines topics to be covered in the months ahead for some kind of final deal. Some people are taking parts of this MOU completely out of context for their own political gain. Let’s step back for a moment.

Over the past year, beginning with Operation Midnight Hammer and continuing through Epic Fury and Economic Fury, American and Israeli allied forces have completely decapitated the Iranian leadership, turned their nuclear capacity into rubble, totally buried their enriched uranium, destroyed their navy, destroyed their airforce, destroyed their radar, destroyed much of their missiles, and drones, and destroyed virtually their entire industrial base. Inflation could be running at more than 200 percent. Food and medicine for average civilians are not available. Currency is worthless. The economy essentially shuttered. In other words, Iran’s military and economic capabilities have been decimated. And people know this whether they criticize it or not.  General Jack Keane observed that we’re not even seeing Iranian fast boats anymore in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, the New York Post’s Miranda Devine writes that Iranian women at Tehran are now going around on motorcycles wearing skirts and without hijabs covering their hair, a crime that used to result in fines, jail, and savage beatings. Yet the morality police may be dead. Another sign that the radical Islamist Republic is crumbling from the inside.

Because of Mr. Trump’s courageous actions, the only president in the last 50 years to go after Iran forcibly and successfully. Its leadership has been decapitated, their military capabilities have been virtually eliminated, and their nuclear operations have been shut down. All reduced to rubble.

In short, their capacity for harm has essentially been eliminated for years to come with no boots on the ground. So, all this gives Mr. Trump the opening for diplomacy in the future. Why not try it? And that leads to at least a temporary suspension of the naval blockade to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and bring down oil prices to sustain the world economy.

It’s a risk worth taking. Indeed I don’t think there’s any risk at all. And not a single dime of money will reach Iran unless the final deal verifiably with inspectors ends their nuclear program and their enriched uranium. That’s the final deal, not some non-binding memo.

Even oil money will be put into an escrow account by the United States Treasury. And released only for buying the Iranian people food, farm, and medical help. Mr. Trump had this to say on the matter: “One of the things that we are doing also, and it came up last night, is money that’s being unfrozen is going to be used to buy food, and the food is going to be bought exclusively through the United States from our farmers. And corn, soybeans, all of the things they need are going to be bought from our farmers.”

That is quintessentially a Trumpian approach in deal making. The absolute key point is that the president, as he has said time and again, is going to end Iran’s nuclear capacity, period, full stop, with verification and inspection. Mr. Trump calls it nuclear honesty. And if Iran doesn’t play ball, then… We will go back to military, bombing, and the economic embargoes, and give them even more damage if that’s what it’s going to have to take.

Right now, Mr. Trump is making the right decisions. Opinion polls more and more are showing a favorable attitude towards his diplomacy and deal-making. So I say, let us stop this hand-wringing and let Mr. Trump do what he does best. Which is make a great deal for America.

This article was written by

Follow

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

The Department of Energy on Tuesday announced $17.5 billion in conditional loans for utilities and energy companies to buy parts that will strengthen the commercial supply chain for nuclear reactors.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said that the announcement supports President Donald Trump‘s executive order by boosting the nuclear industrial base, helping to “unleash the next American nuclear renaissance.”

“To accomplish that mission, these conditional loans will play an important role in reviving the supply chain needed for America to once again build large-scale commercial reactors,” Wright explained.

“They will also help accelerate the timeline of building those large-scale reactors by up to three years, lowering construction costs and ensuring the United States is able to deliver on President Trump’s bold and ambitious energy addition agenda,” he added.

US PLANS TO BUILD NUCLEAR REACTOR ON THE MOON BY 2030, NASA SAYS

The Energy Department is hoping to speed up the development of new commercial nuclear reactors through the conditional loan program. (Fox News)

The conditional loans were provided by the Energy Department‘s Office of Energy Dominance Financing (EDF). The loans aim to help achieve the goal laid out in the president’s executive order, which is to have 10 new large nuclear reactors with complete designs under construction by 2030.

The $17.5 billion in conditional loans will help finance five eligible projects that are sponsored by utilities and energy companies to speed up the deployment of 10 large-scale commercial nuclear reactors across the U.S. by up to three years. Each of the five loans will support two reactors at a project site.

Westinghouse, which makes the API1000 units that are the only licensed large-scale commercial reactors operating in the U.S. today, will partner with the eligible utilities and energy companies on the procurement of long-lead items at a fixed price. 

TRUMP ADMIN PROVIDES $1B FEDERAL LOAN TO RESTART THREE MILE ISLAND NUCLEAR REACTOR

Energy Secretary Chris Wright speaking during a panel, said that more than half a dozen utilities and energy companies have expressed interest in the program. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images, File)

Long-lead items are complex components of a nuclear power plant that require the most time to manufacture and deliver, such as reactor vessels and steam generators.

Each of the projects will be jointly owned by Westinghouse and the utility or energy company partner, with both required to fully commit project equity of $500 million each, for a total of $1 billion, up front before they can access the Energy Department’s loan funds.

The U.S. industry has struggled to attract investment because nuclear projects are capital-intensive, prone to cost overruns and face complex regulations – creating a riskier proposition for investors than relatively cheaper, quicker energy projects involving natural gas and renewables.

META’S MASSIVE NUCLEAR POWER DEALS WILL HELP US ‘WIN’ AI RACE AGAINST CHINA, EXECUTIVE SAYS

The Three Mile Island nuclear power plant is due to return to operation in the next few years. (Heather Khalifa/Bloomberg via Getty Images, File)

Wright told reporters that the loans have attracted strong interest from data center hyperscalers, which are tech giants that run cloud and computing infrastructure, as well as energy companies amid the rising demand for electricity due to the buildout of data centers that power artificial intelligence (AI) systems.

“We are confident that these projects will be economic for utility shareholders, ratepayers and hyperscalers,” Wright said. He added that seven utilities expressed interest, but wouldn’t disclose their names or the location of their projects.

Trump’s goal is to quadruple U.S. nuclear power capacity to 400 gigawatts by 2050, which is an aggressive target given that the last reactors built in the U.S. were delayed by seven years and faced billions of dollars in cost overruns.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Three shuttered nuclear power plants are on track to resume operations in the coming years, including Palisades in Michigan, Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania and Duane Arnold in Iowa.

During Trump’s first term, he used what was then known as the Loan Programs Office to help finance reactors for the Vogtle nuclear power plant in Georgia.

Wright said that the Energy Department expects the plants’ timing and cost to “well outperform what was done on Vogtle.”

Reuters contributed to this report.

NEW YORK — Exxon Mobil Corp. shares rose modestly Tuesday as the energy giant pressed ahead with plans to redomicile to Texas and highlighted its long-term growth strategy in a market buoyed by relatively stable oil prices.

The stock traded at $139.16, up 0.53 percent or 73 cents, in morning trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The move came as broader energy markets reflected ongoing attention to global supply dynamics and corporate restructuring efforts by major producers.

Exxon Mobil announced last week that its planned redomiciliation from New Jersey to Texas will take effect July 1. The shift, approved by shareholders in May, aims to align the company’s legal home with its operational heartland and potentially streamline regulatory and tax considerations.

The company has emphasized that the move supports its focus on delivering long-term value. In its first-quarter 2026 earnings release, Exxon Mobil reported earnings of $4.2 billion, or $1.00 per share. Excluding certain items and timing effects, earnings reached $8.8 billion, or $2.09 per share. Cash flow from operations stood at $8.7 billion.

Chairman and CEO Darren Woods has repeatedly stressed disciplined capital allocation and investment in high-return projects. The company continues advancing developments in the Permian Basin and Guyana, where production is ramping up toward significant milestones.

Analysts maintain a generally positive outlook. Bank of America recently upgraded the stock to “Buy,” citing attractive valuation and strong fundamentals. Consensus price targets hover around $163 to $170, implying upside from current levels.

Exxon Mobil’s forward dividend yield stands near 3 percent, supported by 43 consecutive years of increases. The company returned $9.2 billion to shareholders in the first quarter through dividends and buybacks.

The energy sector faces a complex backdrop. Oil prices have stabilized following earlier volatility tied to geopolitical developments and demand concerns. Exxon Mobil and peers continue navigating the energy transition while investing in conventional resources to meet near-term needs.

Strategic Investments and Operational Focus

Exxon Mobil’s strategy centers on leveraging its scale in upstream production, downstream refining, and chemical manufacturing. The company targets annual production growth of approximately 1.8 million oil-equivalent barrels per day by 2026, grounded in value rather than pure volume.

Key projects include expansions in Guyana, where output is expected to exceed 700,000 barrels per day over time. Permian operations also remain a priority, with efficiency gains helping offset cost pressures.

The redomiciliation to Texas aligns with these operational realities. Texas hosts significant portions of Exxon Mobil’s U.S. assets and workforce. Company officials have framed the change as enhancing long-term competitiveness without disrupting day-to-day business.

Analysts note Exxon Mobil’s balance sheet strength and free cash flow generation as key differentiators. Trailing twelve-month free cash flow exceeded $23 billion, providing flexibility for investments, dividends, and share repurchases.

Market Context and Challenges

Global oil markets remain sensitive to supply shifts from OPEC+ producers and demand signals from major economies. Recent reports of potential U.S.-Iran diplomatic progress added some downward pressure on prices earlier in the month, though benchmarks have since steadied.

Exxon Mobil’s diversified portfolio helps buffer such volatility. Its chemical and refining segments provide counterbalance to upstream swings. First-quarter results showed resilience despite timing effects that pressured reported figures.

Environmental and regulatory pressures persist. Shareholder proposals on climate and governance issues featured prominently at the May annual meeting, though management maintained strong support for its board and strategy.

The company continues reporting progress on lower-carbon initiatives while prioritizing core hydrocarbon developments. Woods has described the approach as pragmatic, balancing energy security with emission-reduction goals.

Analyst Views and Valuation

Wall Street largely views Exxon Mobil as undervalued relative to its cash flow potential and asset base. Discounted cash flow models suggest intrinsic value well above current trading levels, with some estimates exceeding $270 per share under conservative assumptions.

Earnings estimates for full-year 2026 reflect optimism around production ramps and efficiency. The stock trades at a forward price-to-earnings multiple in the low 20s, below historical peaks for the sector.

Risks include prolonged low oil prices, execution challenges on major projects, and evolving energy policies. Exxon Mobil’s size and integrated model provide advantages in navigating these uncertainties.

Outlook

As the second quarter progresses, investors will watch for updates on operational milestones and any further details on the Texas transition. Exxon Mobil’s next earnings report is anticipated in late July.

The company maintains its commitment to disciplined investment and shareholder returns. With shares showing modest gains amid broader market rotation, Exxon Mobil continues positioning itself as a reliable energy supplier capable of adapting to changing conditions.

The idea is part of a 10-year strategy aiming to better connect the region

A tram network could soon be set to revolutionise transport across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The proposal forms part of the BCP Growth Plan, a decade-long vision designed to transform Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole into a better-connected, more environmentally friendly and inclusive area by 2036.

The blueprint was examined by BCP Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Board on June 15.

A central element of the plan involves enhancing transport links and reducing congestion through environmentally sustainable alternatives such as ultra-light rail.

Councillor Lesley Dedman said: “It is a wonderful wishlist and it does push all the right buttons. We all want these things, for example the advanced manufacturing hub and industrial parks, with these three towns we are short of space so it is those things I am interested in how we are going to work that out.

“Another thing I am not quite sure on is ultra light railway, what a fantastic idea, I am not to sure what it is but I think again those things have been tried year after year and I really hope we can get something going this time as there has always been a problem.”

Councillor Richard Herrett said: “Not a single post-war tram system has been delivered without central government funding. Which means for a tram system we are likely to need some government funding. As the devolution agenda moves forward there is potential in that, but I think where we are in that scheme remains to be seen.

“Trams are universally loved but they do take up a lot of space and that is another challenge we have in out area. I think we would love a tram system but that government funding can’t come too soon.”

The blueprint also puts forward reopening the Hamworthy branch line and implementing additional improvements to ease congestion, support commerce and enhance travel choices.

Redevelopment of key locations including Wessex Fields, Bournemouth Airport and Holes Bay also features prominently.

The broader strategy seeks to stimulate job creation, increase affordable housing provision, rejuvenate town centres and strengthen local communities.

It focuses on long-term expansion in established sectors such as financial services, advanced manufacturing and the creative industries.

While councillors generally back the vision, uncertainties persist around practical implementation, funding streams and the plan’s resilience to future challenges.

A comprehensive report on the growth plan will be considered by cabinet and council at a subsequent meeting.

MorningStar Farms is voluntarily recalling two plant-based food products sold in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Costa Rica because they may contain plastic pieces, according to a notice published by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The recall affects MorningStar Farms Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets and MorningStar Farms Hot & Spicy Sausage Patties. The company announced the recall on June 18, and the FDA published the notice Monday.

Consumers who purchased the affected products should not consume them and should instead discard the items and contact the company for a full refund, MorningStar Farms said. 

No other MorningStar Farms products are included in the recall.

THOUSANDS OF BOTTLES OF BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATION RECALLED NATIONWIDE

MorningStar Farms Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets are among the products included in a voluntary recall. (MorningStar Farms  / Unknown)

The recalled Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets were sold in 10.5-ounce packages with UPC code 00028989101105 and “Better if Used Before” dates of July 7, 2027, and July 8, 2027. 

The recalled Hot & Spicy Sausage Patties were sold in 8-ounce packages with UPC code 00028989100948 and “Better if Used Before” dates of July 5, July 6 and July 7, 2027.

The Chicago-based company said it initiated the recall because of the possible presence of plastic pieces in the food. The products were distributed in the United States, Puerto Rico and Costa Rica, according to the recall notice.

Food recalls involving foreign materials such as plastic can pose a choking hazard or risk of injury if consumed. The FDA classifies recalls involving potential foreign-material contamination among the more common food-related recalls issued each year.

POPULAR TEETHING TOY SOLD ON AMAZON FOR YEARS RECALLED OVER CHOKING HAZARD FOR CHILDREN

MorningStar Farms Hot & Spicy Sausage Patties are being recalled over possible plastic contamination. (MorningStar Farms / Unknown)

The announcement did not indicate whether any injuries had been reported in connection with the issue or how the possible contamination was discovered.

“At MORNINGSTAR FARMS, our highest priority is protecting the safety and wellbeing of our consumers,” a Mars spokesperson said in a statement to FOX Business. “On June 18, we announced a voluntary recall of two varieties of MORNINGSTAR FARMS products in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Costa Rica because of possible plastic pieces in the food.”

The FDA classifies recalls involving potential foreign-material contamination among the more common food-related recalls issued each year. (Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images, File / Getty Images)

The spokesperson added that the recalled varieties are MORNINGSTAR FARMS Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets and MORNINGSTAR FARMS Hot & Spicy Sausage Patties, and that no other products are affected by the recall.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Consumers seeking additional information can contact MorningStar Farms Consumer Affairs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET by calling 800-962-0120 or texting 877-453-5837.

Google’s YouTube has settled a social media addiction case brought by a 15-year-old in Florida who accused the platform of causing mental health harms to children, according to the plaintiff’s lawyers.

The terms of the settlement in the state court lawsuit against the social media giant were confidential, the lawyers said on Tuesday.

“YouTube’s decision to resolve this case before having to face a jury speaks for itself. We will continue fighting on behalf of all those affected by social media addiction to bring these companies to justice and compel them to prioritize the safety of their young users over their bottom lines,” the plaintiff’s lawyers said in a statement, according to Reuters.

“We will continue fighting on behalf of all those affected by social media addiction to bring these companies to justice and compel them to prioritize the safety of their young users over their bottom lines.”

META LOBBIES CONGRESS FOR IMMUNITY FROM LAWSUITS ALLEGING ONLINE HARM TO CHILDREN

Google’s YouTube has settled a social media addiction case brought by a 15-year-old in Florida. (Anna Barclay/Getty Images, File / Getty Images)

Google spokesperson José Castañeda said in a statement to FOX Business that the lawsuit had been amicably resolved and that the company’s focus “remains on building age-appropriate products and parental controls that deliver on that promise.”

“For more than a decade, we’ve built YouTube responsibly — working with families to give young people safer, more helpful experiences online,” Castañeda said.

The teenager, who used the initials R.K.C. in court documents, argued that YouTube and other social media companies had designed their platforms to be addictive.

He said he started using social media when he was about 8 years of age and allegedly became addicted, losing sleep and suffering from depression and anxiety.

JURY FINDS META, GOOGLE LIABLE IN LANDMARK SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION TRIAL, AWARDS MORE THAN $6M IN DAMAGES

The teenager argued that YouTube and other social media companies had designed their platforms to be addictive. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images, File / Getty Images)

R.K.C. is also suing Meta, TikTok and Snapchat in a trial set to begin next month in Los Angeles.

More than 3,300 lawsuits involving addiction claims against social media companies are pending in California state court, while another 2,600 cases brought by people, school districts, municipalities and states are pending in California federal court.

The first trial ended in March after a woman claimed ⁠she became addicted to YouTube and Instagram at a ​young age because of their attention-grabbing design. She had accused the companies of intentionally making their platforms addicting to child users.

A jury in that case found the companies negligent, ordering Meta to pay her $4.2 million in damages and Google to pay $1.8 million. Earlier this month, the judge rejected the companies’ effort to overturn the verdict.

FEDERAL APPEALS COURT RULES OHIO CAN REQUIRE PARENTAL CONSENT CHILDREN UNDER 16 ON SOCIAL MEDIA

The plaintiff said he started using social media when he was about eight and became addicted. (Matt Cardy/Getty Images, File / Getty Images)

The woman had also sued TikTok and Snapchat, but both platforms settled before trial for an undisclosed total.

A jury in New Mexico also ordered Meta earlier this year to pay $375 million for misleading users over the safety of its platforms for children.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Google, Meta, Snapchat and TikTok also settled a case last month that was heading to trial in which a Kentucky school district accused the platforms of creating a mental health crisis for its students. 

The platforms paid a collective $27 million to settle that case.

Meta will also face a trial in a lawsuit brought by Tennessee next month. In August, a trial in federal court over the combined claims of multiple states will go forward against the social media giant. 

Reuters contributed to this report.