Energy Secretary says Trump knowingly risked higher gas prices before Iran strike
Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CBS’ Face the Nation that President Donald Trump knowingly accepted a short‑term rise in energy prices when he ordered a military strike on Iran in February.
Wright said Trump was “well aware” that the operation would disrupt energy flows from the Persian Gulf, but deemed the risk worth taking to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. "I’m going to take a hit there, but I got to do the right thing," Wright quoted the president as telling him.
The comments come as gasoline prices sit near historic highs for the season. Federal data showed regular gasoline at $4.465 per gallon on September 28, up $1.347 from a year earlier, while diesel averaged $6.382 per barrel. AAA reported a similar figure of $4.41 for regular gasoline, the highest ever recorded for this time of year.
Wright pointed to several factors that could ease the pressure. He noted that energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz have risen, U.S. gasoline production is at record levels, and seasonal demand is declining. He indicated that both gasoline and diesel prices should be lower by Election Day, but cautioned that no guarantees exist given Iran’s ability to disrupt shipping or Gulf production.
Despite domestic refineries operating near capacity, diesel remains a global commodity, and the conflict in Ukraine—where Russian diesel refineries have been attacked—has limited the administration’s flexibility in managing rising costs.
Wright declined to answer whether Trump might resume military action after the November midterm elections, keeping the focus on the immediate trade‑off between national security and consumer fuel costs.
Trump’s broader policy has consistently opposed a nuclear‑armed Iran, citing threats to U.S. forces, the potential for regional arms races, and the empowerment of terrorist groups. Wright’s remarks add a concrete example of the administration’s willingness to bear short‑term economic pain for perceived long‑term security benefits.
The administration plans to monitor energy markets closely in the weeks ahead, with the expectation that improved shipping conditions and continued domestic production will bring prices down, a development that could shape voter sentiment as the midterms approach.
