Asking about the situation in Iran and what it means for oil prices and inflation longer term.
Becky Quick
Kevin Hassett
We are getting briefed on every nuance of the war daily. President Trump's timeline is four to six weeks and we're ahead of schedule. Tankers are starting to dribble through the straits, showing how little Iran has left.
Kevin Hassett
We're very optimistic this will be over in the short run, then there'll be price repercussions for a few weeks as ships make it to refineries.
When you say end soon, you think weeks not months. Where do you expect WTI prices?
Becky Quick
Kevin Hassett
Futures markets have oil going down into the 60s by fall, down to the 50s past the year. There will be an incredible risk premium for ending Iranian terrorism.
Kevin Hassett
The US economy is fundamentally strong with strong signs of productivity growth. Iran's strategy to hurt the US economy hasn't worked.
What does 'sees this through to the end' mean?
Becky Quick
Kevin Hassett
We want to make sure Iran cannot harm its neighbors and the US ever again. Once we've accomplished that goal and defanged them, President Trump will declare the war over.
What pressure will European/Asian countries put on us politically, and what pricing increases might we anticipate from imports?
Becky Quick
Kevin Hassett
Asian economies might pull back refined product exports to the West Coast to ensure enough energy for themselves. We're studying this closely but haven't seen disruptions yet.
What impact will this have on the Chinese economy?
Andrew Ross Sorkin
Kevin Hassett
If the Iran problem goes away, it will be helpful for China as well. Both countries want a stable world oil market.
When you math out possibilities, what timeline are you working with?
Andrew Ross Sorkin
Kevin Hassett
Base case is President Trump's four to six week program, and we're in the third week ahead of schedule. If extended, it wouldn't really disrupt the US economy very much.
What's your plan for fertilizer and helium supply disruptions through Hormuz?
Becky Quick
Kevin Hassett
We've been finding other fertilizer sources successfully - established licenses for Venezuela, discussions with countries with potash reserves. We can minimize disruption.