Former Energy Secretary, Dan Brouillette, defended the White House's ongoing military operation in Iran, arguing that rising energy costs are a "short-term pain" in exchange for a "long-term gain". He also warned that the U.S. risks higher global energy rates if Iran develops nuclear weapons. The Trump administration has made several moves in recent weeks to address rising energy prices, including lifting sanctions on Iranian and Russian oil already at sea, increasing domestic oil production and relaxing U.K. shipping laws. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that prolonged conflict could result in higher global inflation rates if the conflict is prolonged.