Energy Secretary: Trump was "aware of the risks to energy flows" before Iran war

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Sunday that President Trump understood the dangers to energy supplies before ordering the war in Iran, and accepted a short-term rise in prices because a nuclear-armed Iran could not be tolerated. Wright made the case on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" as gas and diesel costs weigh on Americans and Republicans brace for a difficult midterm environment, according to CBS News.

Wright predicted prices will keep falling, citing rising output moving through the Strait of Hormuz, stronger U.S. gasoline production and the end of the summer driving season. Asked whether they would drop over the next four weeks, he answered "absolutely." Diesel recently topped $6.50 a gallon, hitting farmers, construction firms and food banks. It has fallen a little over 20 cents, and Wright expects it to dip under $6, though he could not say when.

He called last week's Group of Seven agreement to release 100 million barrels of fuel over four months a big deal, noting that Europe holds large diesel reserves. He declined to discuss possible military escalation after the midterms, saying diplomatic and military options both remain open. On a diesel export ban, which he opposes, he said the president keeps floating ideas.

Summarized by PolitiKool from CBS News’s reporting. Read the full story at CBS News →