Hassett defends Trump's actions on Iran — The Hill
In the United States, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett defended President Donald Trump's actions in the war with Iran, saying that the president had to act. As The Hill reports, the official said this on September 20 during Fox News' “The Sunday Briefing.”
Hassett's statements
According to Hassett, the Iranian side allegedly told the United States that it did not need further negotiations because it was two weeks away from creating a nuclear weapon. He also said that Iran is shelling ships in the straits.
Hassett claimed that without Trump's actions, the consequences could have been very severe for the global economy and human civilization. In his view, U.S. actions are helping keep oil prices as low as possible amid disruptions to maritime shipping.
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The official also said that Trump had arranged for oil from countries friendly to the United States to be transported through the strait. At the same time, according to Hassett, Iran is not exporting oil via this route and is facing a shortage of funds, high inflation, and economic difficulties.
Oil transportation through the strait
On September 19, U.S. Central Command Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said that U.S. forces had supported the transportation of more than 1 billion barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz over the past several months. Under normal conditions, about one-fifth of global oil consumption passes through this strait every day.
According to The Hill, Iran effectively blocked the strait after the conflict launched by the United States and Israel began in late February. Against this backdrop, the average gasoline price in the United States stood at $4.48 on September 19, up 17 cents over the week, according to AAA. The average price of diesel fuel reached $6.50. Trump previously called higher fuel prices a low price to pay for his administration's actions.
