U.S. Energy Secretary: Americans Will Still Feel the "Energy Shock" for Weeks

U.S. Energy Secretary Wright said on Sunday that the energy market is currently experiencing a "short-term shock," but he expects the conflict with Iran to end in "a few weeks." Meanwhile, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations emphasized that the U.S. will work with international partners to ensure this critical energy route is reopened.

Wright told a U.S. NBC News program on Sunday that the Middle East conflict and threats to maritime routes have directly affected energy supply and market confidence. He said, "There has been a 'short-term shock' in energy flows, and Americans are feeling it now. They will feel it for several more weeks." However, he believes that once the conflict ends, the global energy market will return to a more stable supply structure.

He said, "In the end, we will eliminate the biggest risk to global energy supply. We will enter a world with more abundant and more affordable energy." Wright stated that one of the goals of the U.S. government is to ensure normal operation of energy transportation in the Middle East and reduce supply uncertainty in global markets.

When talking about gasoline prices, Wright said that although the war has caused short-term increases in oil prices, there is still a chance for them to fall again in the future. He pointed out that there is a "good chance" that U.S. gasoline prices will drop below $3 per gallon before the summer travel season. He said, "[It is very likely] that this will happen. But the war is not guaranteed." He also said that once the conflict ends, reduced energy supply risks will not only stabilize market prices but also reduce the risks faced by American soldiers and commercial activities in the Middle East.

One of the main concerns in the global market right now is Iran's threat to block the Strait of Hormuz. This sea passage located at the exit of the Persian Gulf is one of the most important oil transport routes in the world, as a large amount of Middle Eastern crude must pass through here to reach Asian and Western markets. Wright admitted that the security situation in the strait remains unstable, but he added that ensuring the strait is safely reopened is "one of the goals when this conflict ends."

Wright also revealed that the U.S. is consulting with multiple countries to maintain the safety of the waterway. He pointed out that many economies around the world rely heavily on energy transport through the Strait of Hormuz, including Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, and India, so restoring shipping through the strait is in the interest of all countries.

Wright also said that the U.S. has been in communication with China, even though Beijing has not publicly committed to any escort or security actions. He believes China has a significant interest in ensuring the strait is reopened. "Reopening the Strait of Hormuz is even more important for China than for the U.S. I do expect China to be a constructive partner in reopening this strait."

When asked about whether the conflict could end within a few weeks, he said, "I think this is a likely timeframe." He pointed out that the current priority of the U.S. military is to weaken Iran's military capabilities used to threaten the strait. He said, "Our focus now is to destroy their military capabilities, including those specifically used to threaten the strait. But we must complete these tasks first, and soon you will see the strait open again."

The U.S. government has also been strengthening its military deployments in the Middle East. Three U.S. officials told media outlets recently that about 5,000 Marines and Navy personnel are being deployed to the Middle East to strengthen regional security and maritime operations capability.

On the other hand, President Trump showed a relatively calm attitude towards the impact of rising oil prices. On Saturday, during a phone interview with NBC News, he said that oil prices would eventually fall and may even go below previous levels. He said, "I think they will go lower than before, and I once brought oil prices to record lows." Trump believes that global energy supply itself is not scarce, but it is temporarily blocked by the conflict. "There is so much oil and gas - there is a lot of energy outside, but it is just a bit blocked now, and it will be cleared up soon."

In terms of military action, the U.S. military conducted an air strike on Iran's Kharg Island on Saturday. The island is a key hub for Iranian oil exports, handling about 90% of Iran's crude oil exports. Trump said the U.S. had "completely destroyed Kharg Island," but he emphasized that oil pipelines were deliberately avoided. The U.S. Central Command said the same day that the targets were mainly military facilities on the island, and oil infrastructure was not damaged.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Walden said on Sunday during an interview with CNN that the Trump administration still retains the option of further strikes on Iranian energy facilities. He said, "President Trump will not rule out any options. If he wants to destroy their energy infrastructure, I think he will retain that option."

However, some members of Congress have questioned the government's strategy. California Democratic Senator Schiff criticized the current administration in a report to NBC News, stating that the government has not clearly explained the war objectives and conditions for ending the conflict. He believes the conflict has already brought a series of predictable consequences, including the closure of the strait and Iran's attacks on neighboring countries. "I think this war is not worth the cost."

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1859776127336576/

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