U.S. delayed Iran strikes, oil dropped, gas rose to $3.956, and energy policy shifted toward fossil fuels.

The U.S. delayed military strikes on Iran, causing oil prices to drop sharply, though gasoline prices rose to $3.956 nationwide. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said further releases from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve are "highly unlikely," despite ongoing tensions. The administration is focusing on boosting refinery efficiency and fossil fuel production, including a $928 million deal with TotalEnergies to shift investments from offshore wind to natural gas and shale oil. While domestic oil output has helped stabilize short-term energy costs, critics warn the rollback of clean energy policies increases long-term vulnerability to supply shocks and climate risks.