The Trump administration is pursuing both diplomatic and military options in the Iran conflict, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Sunday, refusing to rule out further escalation in the region following the deployment of a third US aircraft carrier to the regionAsked on CBS News whether the expected arrival of the USS Theodore Roosevelt in the Middle East next month indicates that President Donald Trump had decided to escalate after the US mid-term elections, Mr Wright declined to discuss the President's plans.“He's always planning for contingencies and he's always negotiating,” Mr Wright said. “He's got both tracks still going, diplomatic and military.”Mr Wright said there were no guarantees that Iran would not launch further attacks against Gulf energy infrastructure, which could push already elevated fuel prices higher.“There's no guarantees in conflict,” he said.The Trump administration is preparing for possible disruption by increasing US production and refining capacity while seeking to boost fuel supplies from allies, he added.Earlier on Sunday, a tanker was hit by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, causing damage to its engine room, according to UK Maritime Trade Operations.Diesel prices have been particularly affected by the disruption to global energy supplies, with China also reducing exports of diesel and other refined fuels, Mr Wright sa...
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