Washington — Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Sunday that President Trump understood a conflict with Iran could disrupt energy markets and drive prices higher in the near term. Still, Wright defended the decision to launch the war, saying the international community cannot accept a nuclear-armed Iran.

Speaking on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” Wright said Trump recognized he might pay a political and economic price for the operation but believed confronting Iran was necessary.

Gasoline and diesel costs have placed growing pressure on American households and businesses in recent months. The Trump administration, however, has argued that allowing Iran to develop nuclear weapons could pose an even greater long-term danger, including continued instability for global energy supplies. Wright said Trump had taken a firm position that Iran, which he described as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, must not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.

Wright said he expects fuel prices to ease as more supplies move through the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. refineries continue producing gasoline and the summer travel season loses momentum. Asked whether prices would decline within the next four weeks—a period viewed as politically sensitive for Republicans ahead of the midterm elections—he answered, “Absolutely.”

“Diesel prices have been going down, gasoline prices have been going down,” Wright said, adding that he expects that downward trend to continue.

Diesel prices soared to more than $6.50 a gallon in recent weeks, adding costs for farmers that depend on diesel-powered equipment. Construction companies, food banks and other organizations have also faced higher expenses for operating vehicles and delivery fleets. Wright said diesel had already fallen by slightly more than 20 cents in recent days and predicted further declines.

“You should see it below $6 before too long,” he said, while acknowledging that he could not provide a specific timeline.

Wright said the administration’s strategy is centered on increasing diesel and gasoline production while undoing what he called years of policies that reduced the nation’s ability to produce, refine and transport oil and other hydrocarbons.

Wright declined to discuss whether Trump expects the conflict to expand militarily after the midterm elections. He said the president is continually preparing for possible developments and negotiating, leaving both diplomatic and military options available.

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The energy secretary also praised the agreement from the Group of Seven countries to release 100 million barrels of fuel over four months. Wright called the move significant and said it should help lower diesel prices in the United States and internationally through the winter.

Wright said European countries maintain substantial diesel reserves because their refineries cannot produce enough fuel to meet domestic demand. He argued that releasing some of those stored supplies makes sense as Russian diesel exports remain halted, China limits shipments and fuel flows from the Gulf face continued disruption. Although supplies from the Gulf are being restored, he said, rebuilding those flows will take time.

Asked whether Trump had ruled out an export ban on diesel—a step Wright has opposed—the energy secretary said the president continues to consider different proposals and raise new ideas in daily discussions.

Wright said Trump’s central focus is finding ways to reduce the cost of energy, including heating, electricity, gasoline and diesel. He suggested that the president’s sustained public pressure may have helped produce the latest fuel-supply agreement.

“It’s just a constant dialogue about the many levers we have,” Wright said, describing the administration’s effort to bring down diesel and gasoline prices along with other energy costs.