@nprofile1q... Well, I agree it isn't great, but it is better than the genocidal threats. There is some method here.
He's betting America can weather the storm of high oil prices than Iran can deal with the lack of exports, as a negotiating tactic. If he can get a nuclear deal, he can spin it as a win.
There are problems, of course! One, Iran can export through other routes, and the high oil price might offset the reduced volume, and two, its incredibly risky with regards to China.