1 day ago
Last Updated:March 12, 2026, 22:33 IST
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright's own words since the US first struck Iran 11 days ago have struck a markedly different tone.
US energy secretary Chris Wright and US President Donald Trump.
US President Donald Trump’s energy secretary Chris Wright warned two years ago that a conflict involving Iran would “significantly escalate global oil prices" and threaten the flow of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz- statements that directly contradict his recent public dismissals of rising prices as mere “emotional reactions and fear".
A 180-page report published in 2024 by Liberty Energy, the company Chris Wright founded before being appointed energy secretary, said that any expansion of the war in Israel to directly involve Iran would put global oil supplies at serious risk.
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“Should the current war in Israel expand to include Iran directly, as opposed to only supporting militant proxy groups, global oil supplies would be at risk," the report said, adding, “A loss of Iranian oil exports would significantly escalate global oil prices and the myriad products that flow from oil."
The report also specifically warned about threats to the “flow of oil and natural gas" from disruption to the Strait of Hormuz.
What Has Wright Said Since The War Began?
Wright’s own words since the US first struck Iran 11 days ago have struck a markedly different tone. Appearing on CBS News, he attributed volatile oil prices to “emotional reactions and fear", insisting they “shouldn’t go much higher."
When prices rose following Trump’s initial strikes on Iran in June 2025, Wright dismissed the movement as a mere “blip." The contrast between his company’s 2024 analysis and his recent public statements is now drawing scrutiny amid a broader crisis that has sent oil prices to their highest levels in years as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed to commercial shipping.
Read more: Iran Allowing Some Countries To Use Strait Of Hormuz, Deputy Foreign Minister Says
Wright’s position has been further complicated by a damaging episode earlier this week when he caused significant market turmoil after falsely claiming that the US Navy had escorted a ship through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices dropped sharply on the news- only for chaos to return when the claim was found to be incorrect. Wright subsequently deleted the post and the White House denied that any such operation had taken place.
Location :
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
First Published:
March 12, 2026, 22:33 IST
News world Trump's Energy Secretary Warned Iran Conflict Would 'Significantly Escalate' Oil Prices
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