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

Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, said Tuesday that consumer economic hardship from the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran ranks low among the administration's priorities, asserting the U.S. economy remains fundamentally sound. Hassett's comments suggest the White House views near-term pain for American households as an acceptable cost of its Middle East policy. The statement reflects a potential tension between the administration's geopolitical objectives in the Iran conflict and mounting inflation or supply-chain disruptions affecting consumers at home. Hassett did not elaborate on what economic impacts have already materialized or how long they might persist. The remarks come as energy prices and other commodities sensitive to Middle East tensions remain volatile.