Duffy Defends Trump as Gas Prices Rise Amid Iran Conflict

WASHINGTON — U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy defended President Donald Trump’s handling of the Iran conflict on Sunday as rising fuel prices put pressure on American households and add to broader economic concerns.

In an interview with ABC News, Duffy acknowledged the strain caused by higher energy prices but said he expects prices to fall once key supply routes stabilize.

“Once the Strait opens, you’ll see prices come down, come down immediately,” Duffy said, referring to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route disrupted by the ongoing conflict.

Still, he said a return to pre-conflict prices would take time.

“There’s going to be a tail to that. It’s going to take time to get back to where we were before this conflict began,” he added.

The comments came as average U.S. gasoline prices have risen to $4.45 per gallon, forcing many Americans to cut back on driving and other household expenses.

Duffy framed the crisis as part of a broader national security challenge and backed Trump’s decision to confront Iran.

“We can’t have a nuclear Iran,” he said, calling Tehran “the most destabilising force in the world for 40 years.”

He said the administration’s approach is aimed at longer-term global stability.

“He’s taking action, bold action,” Duffy said of Trump, adding that the goal is to ensure “the world and America is safer.”

Pressed on the financial burden facing consumers, Duffy pointed to domestic energy production and policy measures intended to support households.

“In America, we’re not going to have supply shortages because we produce so much here,” he said, describing the country’s position as one of “energy dominance.”

He also cited recent tax measures as a source of relief.

“He wanted to make sure that Americans got a big tax refund this tax season,” Duffy said.

Despite growing criticism of the prolonged conflict, Duffy said energy prices should ease once shipping resumes through the Strait of Hormuz.

“Again, you’re going to start to see immediate relief. Once the strait opens and supply flows again, we are going to be in a way better place,” he said.

Duffy also addressed the shutdown of budget airline Spirit Airlines, rejecting claims that the war alone caused its collapse.

“They were bleeding money,” he said, noting that the airline had already filed for bankruptcy and had long-standing financial problems.

He said the administration had worked with other carriers to reduce disruption for travelers.

“There is actually a unified American approach to helping passengers and employees of Spirit navigate this crisis,” Duffy said.

Energy analysts say reopening the Strait of Hormuz will be critical to easing global supply constraints, though a full return to normal supply conditions could take months. (Source: IANS)