National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett stated that U.S. policy is focused on ensuring that energy resources in the Middle East are accessible through free markets, free from extortionist practices. In remarks delivered during the 2026 U.S.-Iran conflict and amid Houthi attacks on regional shipping, Hassett emphasized that open access to Middle East energy would attract investment and increase oil production, supporting both regional stability and global economic growth.

Hassett’s statements suggest a strategic pivot toward liberalizing energy markets in the Middle East while mitigating inflationary pressures caused by supply shocks. The approach underscores the U.S. commitment to both economic and energy security, leveraging policy and diplomatic coordination to stabilize global oil markets amid ongoing regional conflicts.