Leavitt Acknowledges Iran Strikes Causing Short-Term Disruption

White House Addresses Rising Gas Prices Amid Tensions with Iran

During a recent appearance on Fox News, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed concerns about rising gas prices in the United States. Speaking with host Maria Bartiromo, Leavitt emphasized that the current situation is a “short-term disruption” for the long-term goal of removing what she described as the “rogue Iranian terrorist regime.” This statement came amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran following recent military actions.

Crude oil prices have surged significantly, closing at around $90 per barrel on Friday. This represents a sharp increase from $65 per barrel on February 26, just two days before the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. The price rise marks the highest level since the start of the 2022 Russian war with Ukraine. Leavitt also highlighted former President Donald Trump’s ability to manage multiple responsibilities, stating he can “walk and chew gum at the same time,” keeping an eye on both international conflicts and domestic issues.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright echoed similar sentiments during his appearances on Sunday cable news shows. In an interview with CBS Face the Nation host Margaret Brennan, Wright acknowledged that there is a “temporary period of elevated energy prices.” However, he remained optimistic, stating that the prices will return to normal “before too long.”

“In the worst case, this is weeks. This is not months,” Wright said. He added that the long-term benefits of addressing the Iranian threat would lead to a more stable Middle East, where Iran would no longer be able to threaten its neighbors or drive up energy prices through conflict.

Wright also spoke with CNN’s Jake Tapper, reiterating the administration’s goal of bringing gasoline prices back below $3 per gallon. He emphasized that this target is achievable “before too long.” On Face the Nation, Wright further clarified that there is no energy shortage in the Western Hemisphere, noting that while refineries in Asia and Europe are experiencing disruptions, there are “massive energy stores around the world.”

The situation has prompted increased pressure on the Trump administration to address rising gas prices. According to reports, Trump’s White House chief of staff, Susie Wiles, has reportedly demanded action as oil prices soar. Industry executives noted that top officials, including a council led by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, are under pressure to find solutions.

Iran’s decision to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil traffic, has contributed to the spike in prices. This move sent Brent crude prices jumping from $72 to over $82 per barrel within a week.

Energy executives and Trump officials have proposed various ideas to mitigate the impact, including a temporary holiday on the gasoline tax or deploying forces to protect oil infrastructure in Gulf states. One energy executive told Politico that the White House is exploring every possible option to improve energy prices, especially for gasoline.

Leavitt dismissed reports of internal pressure as “sensationalist, unverified gossip for clicks.” She claimed that “nobody is panicking.” A White House official also stated that Wall Street is not expecting inflation to rise, citing a drop in Treasury yields and a decrease in core inflation to its lowest level in nearly five years.

However, the rising cost at the pump comes at a sensitive time for Trump, who faces crucial midterm elections in November. A recent poll by the Daily Mail/J.L. Partners showed his approval rating at its lowest point ever, dropping four points to 44 percent since Friday.