Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Hassett says consumer pain over Iran war ‘the last of our concerns right now’

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett has reassured the American people that the current U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran will not have a significant impact on the country’s strong economy. During a press conference on Tuesday, Hassett stated that the economic toll on American consumers is “the last of our concerns right now.”

Hassett’s remarks come as tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated following the U.S. airstrike that killed top Iranian General Qasem Soleimani earlier this month. In response, Iran has launched missile attacks on U.S. military bases in Iraq, causing fears of a possible war between the two countries.

However, despite these concerns, Hassett remains confident in the resilience of the U.S. economy. He emphasized that the economy is “fundamentally sound” and even if the conflict intensifies, it will not have a significant impact on the country’s economic stability.

“Our economy is strong and can withstand any challenges that may come its way,” said Hassett. “The fundamentals of our economy, such as low unemployment rates, strong consumer spending, and robust business growth, remain strong and continue to drive our economic success.”

Hassett’s positive outlook is backed by recent economic data. The unemployment rate in the United States remains at a historical low of 3.5%, with more Americans employed now than ever before. Additionally, consumer spending, which drives two-thirds of the U.S. economy, has seen steady growth, reflecting strong consumer confidence.

Furthermore, the U.S. stock market has also remained steady during the recent tensions with Iran. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at a record high of over 29,000 points on Wednesday, indicating that investors are confident in the U.S. economy despite the ongoing conflict.

Hassett also addressed concerns about the impact of rising oil prices on the economy. After the U.S. airstrike, oil prices surged, causing worries about the potential impact on businesses and consumers. However, Hassett downplayed these concerns, stating that the United States is now one of the largest oil-producing nations and the country’s energy independence has reduced its vulnerability to oil price shocks.

“Our energy independence is one of the biggest strengths of our economy,” Hassett said. “We have seen a surge in domestic oil production in recent years, reducing our dependence on foreign oil. This puts us in a much stronger position to handle any fluctuations in global oil prices.”

Hassett’s reassurances are welcomed by many Americans, who have been worried about the potential economic consequences of a conflict with Iran. The United States has had a stable and growing economy for the past decade, and the government’s efforts to boost economic growth and job creation have been successful.

It is also worth noting that the U.S. economy has shown resilience in the face of major geopolitical events in the past. Whether it was the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the 2008 financial crisis, or even the ongoing trade disputes with China, the U.S. economy has consistently bounced back and continued to thrive.

In his closing remarks, Hassett urged Americans to remain confident and continue to support the strong economy. He also expressed optimism that the U.S. and Iran will find a peaceful resolution to their differences, avoiding any further escalation of the conflict.

“The safety and well-being of the American people is our top priority, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely,” said Hassett. “But rest assured, the U.S. economy is in a strong position to weather any storm. Let us remain united and continue to drive our economy towards greater success.”

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