U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said rising oil and gas prices caused by the ongoing conflict with Iran are a “small price to pay” if the war helps eliminate what he described as a terrorist regime.

Speaking during an interview on Fox News on Monday, March 9, Doug Burgum acknowledged that Americans may face higher fuel costs in the short term but argued that defeating Iran’s leadership and removing the threat it poses would justify the temporary economic burden.

“This price increase is going to be temporary and it is a small price to pay for the idea that we’re going to get rid of a terrorist regime,” Burgum said during the interview, referring to Iran’s government.

Global Energy Prices Rise as Iran Conflict Escalates

Burgum’s remarks come as the United States and Israel are engaged in a widening military confrontation with Iran following a series of joint strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites. The conflict escalated sharply after U.S. and Israeli forces launched attacks on Iranian targets in late February, triggering retaliatory missile and drone strikes from Tehran.

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The war has disrupted global energy markets, pushing oil prices sharply higher. Tensions around the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes, have been a key driver behind the surge.

Iranian threats to shipping and attacks on vessels in the region have forced some tankers to reroute or delay voyages, tightening global supply and fueling fears of prolonged price increases.

War Driving Global Oil Market Shock

The escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has triggered one of the largest shocks to global energy markets in years. Oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel, raising concerns about inflation and economic instability if the war continues.

Gasoline prices in the United States have already begun to climb, and analysts warn that further Iranian attempts to disrupt tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could push prices even higher.

The Trump administration has repeatedly argued that the military campaign against Iran is necessary to neutralize security threats and prevent Tehran from advancing its nuclear and missile programs.

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President Donald Trump has also acknowledged that the conflict may cause short-term increases in oil prices but has described the economic impact as acceptable if it leads to long-term global security.

In a recent statement, Trump said temporary increases in oil prices would be “a very small price to pay” if they help eliminate the Iranian nuclear threat and stabilize the region.

Efforts to Offset Energy Disruptions

At the same time, U.S. officials are seeking ways to stabilize energy markets and protect consumers from prolonged price spikes.

Burgum has pointed to new energy partnerships with countries such as Venezuela as part of a broader strategy to boost global supply and offset disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

The administration has also emphasized increasing domestic oil and gas production in the United States, arguing that stronger energy independence can shield Americans from global shocks.

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