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3. U.S. Energy Secretary Says Iran Conflict Could End Within Weeks

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the war with Iran could end within the coming weeks, offering a cautious timeline for a conflict that has shaken global energy markets and pushed fuel prices sharply higher in the United States.

Speaking in an interview with ABC News, Wright said he believed the conflict would likely conclude in the near term, though he acknowledged that the exact timing remains uncertain.

“I think this conflict will certainly end within the next few weeks,” Wright said. “It could happen sooner than that, but the dispute will definitely come to an end within weeks.”

Fuel Prices Rise as War Disrupts Energy Flows

The remarks come as American consumers face a significant increase in gasoline prices following the outbreak of war between Iran and the U.S.–Israeli alliance.

According to data from fuel tracking platform GasBuddy, the average price of gasoline in the United States has risen by approximately 76 cents per gallon since the conflict began, a sharp increase over a short period.

The surge in prices reflects growing fears that the war could disrupt oil supplies from the Gulf region, a cornerstone of global energy markets.

Strait of Hormuz at the Center of Energy Concerns

A key factor behind the spike in energy prices is the threat posed to the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow maritime corridor connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.

Roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply normally passes through the strait, making it one of the most strategically important energy chokepoints in the global economy.

Since the conflict began, Iran has effectively restricted maritime traffic through the waterway, contributing to rising crude prices and tightening energy supplies.

Possible Naval Escorts for Oil Tankers

Wright also addressed earlier discussions about whether the U.S. Navy could escort oil tankers through the strait to ensure the flow of energy shipments.

While the idea has been considered as a potential measure to stabilize global oil markets, the energy secretary said the U.S. military is not yet prepared to implement such an operation.

The possibility of naval escorts has been discussed amid concerns that Iranian naval activity, including threats to mining operations or attacks on shipping, could further destabilize the region.

Short-Term Pain, Uncertain Outcome

Despite the economic pressure created by the war, Wright suggested that the current disruption could be temporary.

He said Americans may see gasoline prices decline in the coming weeks if the conflict ends as expected.

However, he cautioned that predicting economic outcomes during wartime remains difficult.

“There are no guarantees in wars,” Wright said. “This is short-term pain to reach a much better situation.”

War’s Impact on Global Energy Markets

The war between Iran and the United States and Israel has already triggered one of the most significant shocks to global energy markets in recent years, with analysts warning that prolonged disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could have far-reaching consequences for the world economy.

With tensions still high in the Gulf and energy infrastructure across the region under threat, the trajectory of the conflict, and its impact on global fuel prices, remains uncertain.