US Energy Secretary: US Will Not Strike Iran's Energy Sector — Disruptions 'A Few Weeks at Most'

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CNN the United States would spare Iran's energy infrastructure in the ongoing war, stating 'The US is targeting zero energy infrastructure. There are no plans to target Iran's oil industry, their natural gas industry, or anything about their energy industry.' Wright predicted disruptions to petroleum and gas markets would be short-lived: 'Worst case, that's a few weeks. That's not months.' The statement implicitly downplays the Israeli strikes on Tehran oil storage facilities on Day 8, which Wright characterised as 'Israeli strikes — local fuel depots to fill up the gas tank.' The US-Israel distinction on energy targeting is significant: Israel has been willing to strike civilian energy infrastructure while the US maintains a separate targeting policy. Oil markets have reacted dramatically — West Texas Intermediate crude rose 12% on Friday alone and is up 36% in a week. The Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's crude oil transits, remains effectively closed. Separately, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with Trump following US criticism that the UK was not cooperating sufficiently. Starmer's office confirmed: 'The leaders discussed the military cooperation between the UK and US through the use of RAF bases in support of the collective self-defence of partners in the region.' The RAF bases confirmation is significant — the UK has not previously formally acknowledged its bases are being used for the Iran campaign.