As gas prices climb across the United States amid escalating conflict in the Middle East, the White House is insisting the spike at the pump will only be temporary.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Americans should expect fuel costs to fall once the military operation against Iran concludes.

Leavitt argued that the Trump administration’s bombing campaign — dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” — would ultimately stabilize energy markets and lead to lower prices.

“Once the national security objectives of Operation Epic Fury are fully achieved, Americans will see oil and gas prices drop rapidly,” Leavitt said during an afternoon press briefing.

She suggested fuel prices could even fall below the levels seen before the start of the military operation.

The comments come as drivers across the country are already feeling the impact of rising oil prices tied to the widening conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran.

Gas prices have surged in recent days as oil markets react to fears that the conflict could disrupt one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.

On Monday, the national average price of gasoline rose to $3.48 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association.

By Tuesday, the average had climbed again to $3.54 per gallon — marking roughly a 19 percent increase since the outbreak of the conflict.

Regional differences remain stark.

Drivers in California are paying as much as $5.20 per gallon in some areas, while motorists in Kansas are paying closer to $2.92.

The spike in fuel costs is closely tied to global oil markets, which have been rattled by Iran’s threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The narrow waterway between Iran and Oman is one of the most critical chokepoints in the global energy supply chain.

Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through the strait on tankers headed toward refineries across the globe.

Any disruption to that route can quickly send oil prices soaring.

Earlier this week, crude oil briefly surged above $100 per barrel — the first time it has crossed that threshold since the early days of the war in Ukraine four years ago.

Shipping traffic in the region has slowed as Iranian threats raise fears that oil tankers could be targeted.

Some vessels have reportedly remained in port rather than risk navigating the increasingly tense waterway.

The uncertainty has already caused ripple effects throughout the global energy market.

Several major Middle Eastern oil producers, including Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, have begun cutting domestic oil production as they anticipate potential storage problems if exports remain blocked.

The situation could worsen if Iran moves forward with reported plans to mine the Strait of Hormuz — a step that could effectively shut down the passage until mines are cleared.

In response, the Trump administration has been working to reassure shipping companies.

Officials have offered political risk insurance for tankers traveling through the Persian Gulf and have suggested the U.S. Navy could escort ships if necessary.

Leavitt said the administration is closely monitoring the situation and preparing additional responses to ensure the strait remains open.

“The President and his energy team are closely watching the markets, speaking with industry leaders, and the U.S. military is drawing up additional options to continue keeping the Strait of Hormuz open,” she said.

President Donald Trump also issued a warning to Iran on social media following the briefing.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump threatened massive retaliation if Iran attempts to block oil shipments through the strait.

“The Military consequences to Iran will be at a level never seen before,” the president wrote.

He also claimed U.S. forces had already destroyed several vessels believed to be capable of laying naval mines.

Despite the market turmoil, White House officials maintain that once the military objectives of the operation are completed, energy markets will stabilize — and American drivers will see relief at the pump.