Energy chief says Trump knew Iran war could disrupt energy

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said President Trump entered the Iran war earlier this year knowing it could interrupt energy supplies and raise prices temporarily. Wright defended the military decision on Sunday, arguing that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons outweighed the expected short-term pressure on energy costs.

Americans have recently faced sharply higher gasoline and diesel costs. Diesel climbed above $6.50 per gallon, affecting farmers who operate machinery and organizations such as construction firms and food banks that depend on vehicles and delivery trucks. Wright said diesel had declined by slightly more than 20 cents in recent days. He expects both diesel and gasoline to keep falling, with diesel dropping below $6 before long, though he did not give a precise timetable.

Wright pointed to recovering supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, domestic gasoline output and the waning summer driving season as reasons for expecting lower prices. He also highlighted an agreement reached with Group of Seven countries: 100 million barrels of fuel are to be made available across four months. He said that supply should reduce diesel costs domestically and worldwide through winter. The administration is also considering other measures, including discussion of a diesel export ban that Wright opposes. On Iran, Wright said diplomatic talks and possible military steps both remain available, while declining to predict whether fighting could intensify after the midterm elections.