Energy Secretary Says Iran War Will End in Weeks

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told ABC News on Sunday that the war with Iran “will certainly come to an end in the next few weeks,” potentially even sooner, as Americans face increasing gas costs due to the conflict.

In an interview with ABC News’ Martha Raddatz, Wright emphasized that the conflict’s resolution is imminent. “Could be sooner than that, but the conflict will come to the end in the next few weeks,” he said, signaling optimism despite current tensions.

Wright highlighted that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil passage linking the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is causing global energy disruption. Approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through the strait, leading to skyrocketing crude oil and gas prices in the U.S. “We had $5 gasoline in the middle of the Biden administration. We hope we don't get there this time, but at least this increase in gasoline prices is for something that's going to change the geopolitical situation in the world forever,” Wright noted.

To mitigate the surge in energy costs, Wright previously suggested that the U.S. Navy could potentially escort oil tankers through the strait by month-end, though no operation is currently underway. President Donald Trump indicated that other countries might contribute warships to help reopen the passage, though specifics remain unclear. Wright stated that many nations, particularly in Asia, rely heavily on energy flowing through the strait and thus have a vested interest in reopening it. “All nations of the world depend on products that come from the Straits of Hormuz. China top on that list. Japan, Korea, all the Asian nations is where the energy flows,” he said.

Wright stressed the strategic importance of international cooperation to stabilize energy markets and ensure the free flow of oil. His comments underscore the geopolitical and economic consequences of the conflict, emphasizing that reopening the strait is critical not only for the U.S. but for energy-dependent nations worldwide.