US Has No Plans to Target Iranian Energy Infrastructure, Says Energy Secretary

Washington D.C. -- The United States has no intention of attacking Iran's energy infrastructure, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated on Sunday. Speaking to CNN amid dramatically rising oil prices, he said, "Disruptions in the petroleum and gas industry will be short-lived."

He indicated that the worst of the energy sector situation would conclude in the coming weeks, not months. Israel attacked oil storage facilities in and around Tehran on Saturday, marking the first major fire incident since the war began last weekend. Wright did not wish to discuss those attacks, but under pressure from journalists, he said, "These were Israeli attacks; these were local fuel depots meant for filling gas tanks."

He added, "The United States has zeroed in on attacks on energy infrastructure. There are no plans to target Iran's oil industry, natural gas industry, or their energy industry."

The conflict has nearly shut down the 'Strait of Hormuz,' through which nearly 20 percent of the world's crude oil and about 20 percent of liquefied natural gas is exported. This disruption has caused a surge in the energy market. Oil prices have increased. The US benchmark for oil, 'West Texas Intermediate,' rose 12 percent on Friday alone and 36 percent in one week.

According to the US Energy Information Administration, Iran accounts for about four percent of the world's oil production. Oil industry data shows its oil industry is under international sanctions, but some is still exported, mainly to China, according to industry figures.