A senior advisor to President Donald Trump stated that the Pentagon expects the conflict with Iran, currently in its third week, to conclude within four to six weeks.
Kevin Hassett, who leads the White House National Economic Council, provided this timeframe while noting that the final determination on the war’s end rests with Trump. On Sunday, Hassett and other officials urged the American public to remain patient during rising energy costs, arguing that the objective of neutralizing Iran’s regional threat justifies the expense.
Speaking on CBS’ Face the Nation, Hassett mentioned that as of Saturday, the Pentagon estimated the mission would take four to six weeks and noted that progress is currently ahead of schedule. He added that a significant positive boost to the global economy is anticipated once the conflict ends.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright indicated that the war could continue for a few more weeks, keeping fuel prices high while the U.S. and Israel work to dismantle Iran’s military infrastructure.
During an appearance on ABC’s This Week, Wright expressed confidence that the hostilities would wrap up within the coming weeks, potentially even earlier, leading to a recovery in oil supplies and a subsequent drop in prices.
On Friday, Brent crude prices finished above $103 a barrel, as Iran maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas.
President Trump requested on Saturday that international partners, including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK, deploy naval forces to ensure the strait remains open. However, a high-ranking official from Japan’s ruling party remarked that dispatching naval ships to escort tankers in the region would encounter significant challenges.
Wright noted on NBC’s Meet the Press that he has been communicating with the nations cited by Trump, without providing specifics, and expressed certainty that international support would be secured to meet their goals.
Wright acknowledged that the administration anticipated the war with Iran would result in temporary disruptions and a slight increase in costs for American consumers.
He told ABC that the current situation represents “short-term pain” necessary to reach a more favorable outcome, emphasizing that the primary focus is currently the destruction of Iran’s capacity to exert military influence globally and regionally.
Despite the defiance of Iran’s weakened leadership amid U.S. and Israeli air campaigns, Hassett contended that robust domestic oil production in the U.S. leaves Iran with far less influence than it possessed during the 1970s energy crises.
He dismissed the idea that Iran could force a retreat by damaging the U.S. economy, calling such a notion foolish and pointing out that the U.S. possesses ample oil reserves.