The White House said on Tuesday that Americans will witness lower fuel prices once US military objectives in Iran are fully achieved. The assertion comes amid soaring crude oil prices across the world due to the fallout from the ongoing war.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters the surge in fuel prices triggered by the conflict would be temporary and that the long-term outcome of the military campaign would translate to lower fuel prices in the US.
“Rest assured to the American people, the recent increase in oil and gas prices is temporary, and this operation will result in lower gas prices in the long term,” Leavitt said during a press briefing.
She added that prices would “drop rapidly” once the US completes its military objectives in Iran.
‘MILITARY CAMPAIGN PROGRESSING QUICKLY’
Leavitt said the US military is making significant progress in Operation Epic Fury, the campaign targeting Iran’s missile and military infrastructure.
“The United States military is making tremendous strides toward achieving our military objectives,” she said. “America’s warriors are winning this important fight at an even faster pace than we anticipated.”
According to the White House, more than 5,000 enemy targets have been struck since the operation began roughly 10 days ago.
Leavitt said the strikes have sharply reduced Iran’s ability to launch attacks.
“Iran’s ballistic missile attacks are down more than 90 percent, and their drone attacks are down by approximately 85 percent since the start of Operation Epic Fury,” she said.
She also said US forces have targeted Iran’s naval capabilities, destroying more than 50 Iranian naval vessels, including a major drone carrier ship.
“The Iranian navy has been assessed as combat-ineffective,” she said.
EFFORTS TO STABILISE ENERGY MARKETS
The administration said it is also working to reduce disruptions in global oil supply caused by the conflict.
Leavitt said the US military is preparing additional options to ensure that shipping lanes remain open.
“The US military is drawing up additional operations following the president’s directive to continue keeping the Strait of Hormuz open,” she said. “I will not broadcast what those options look like, but just know the president is not afraid to use them.”
She also said the administration is considering measures such as insuring tankers passing through the strategic waterway and waiving certain oil-related sanctions.
However, Leavitt clarified that the US Navy has not escorted any oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz so far.
‘UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER’ DECISION WITH TRUMP
The White House also outlined how President Donald Trump views Iran’s potential “unconditional surrender,” a phrase Trump has repeatedly used while discussing the conflict.
“When President Trump says that Iran is in a place of unconditional surrender, he’s not claiming the Iranian regime is going to come out and say that themselves,” Leavitt said.
“What the President means is that Iran’s threats will no longer be backed by a ballistic missile arsenal that protects them from building a nuclear bomb,” she added.
Leavitt said Trump will himself determine when that point has been reached.
“President Trump will determine when Iran is in a place of unconditional surrender, when they no longer pose a credible and direct threat to the United States of America and our allies.”
US TROOPS WOUNDED IN FIGHTING
The Pentagon said about 140 US service members have been injured since the start of the military operation.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said most injuries were minor, with 108 troops already returned to duty, while eight remain severely wounded and are receiving the highest level of medical care.
Despite the casualties, the White House insisted the campaign remains on track.
“Ten days in, this campaign has been a resounding success thus far,” Leavitt said, adding that the administration remains confident its objectives will be achieved swiftly.
(With inputs from agencies)
