White House adviser defends Iran conflict as energy disruptions continue

The short version

• National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett defended President Trump's military action, stating Iran claimed it was two weeks from acquiring a nuclear weapon and had been attacking ships.[The Hill]
• The ongoing conflict has severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, where weekend commodity vessel transits fell to 17 compared to 37 the prior week.[The Hill · NBC News]
• Disruptions have driven the U.S. national average gas price to $4.48 per gallon and diesel to $6.50 as of Saturday, even as the U.S. Navy aids oil transit.[The Hill]

Key facts

• National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett asserted that President Trump had to act because Iran stated it was two weeks from a nuclear weapon and was targeting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.[The Hill]
• The Strait of Hormuz, typically handling about 20% of global daily oil consumption, has been effectively shut off by Iran since the conflict began in late February.[The Hill]
• Shipping data indicated only 17 commodity vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, down from 37 the previous week.[NBC News]
• According to AAA, U.S. national average gas prices climbed to $4.48 per gallon, while average diesel prices reached $6.50.[The Hill]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Hassett on Iran war: 'The president had to act'The Hill
• Tehran warns of ‘new weapons’ as Trump weighs meeting with Iranian presidentNBC News - Top Stories