White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt holds a briefing with reporters — 3/25/2026

Summary

• Operation Epic Fury in Iran is 25 days in, ahead of the 4-6 week schedule, with over 9,000 targets struck and a 90% reduction in Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks.
• U.S. has destroyed more than 140 Iranian naval vessels, the largest elimination of a navy in a three-week period since World War II, aiming to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
• Temporary increase in gas prices due to the conflict, but administration claims prices will decrease post-operations through continued "American energy dominance" policies.
• Administrative actions to stabilize oil markets: directed U.S. DFC to offer political risk insurance for tankers, issued waivers for purchasing sanctioned Russian oil, coordinating with IEA for 400 million barrel release, and issued a temporary E15 gasoline waiver.
• DHS shutdown by Democrats has lasted 40 days, causing airport delays and economic damage; ICE agents deployed to assist, with wait times improving.
• Immigration policies criticized for leading to crime, citing a case of an illegal alien murder in Chicago; administration calls for sanctuary cities to cooperate with ICE.
• Diplomatic talks with Iran ongoing with a 5-day pause in strikes; conditions include Iran permanently abandoning nuclear ambitions and ceasing threats.
• President Trump's meeting with President Xi rescheduled to May 14-15, indicating a potential timeline for conflict resolution in Iran.
• Save America Act pushed for voter ID and proof of citizenship, with administration willing to use "any means necessary" including reconciliation.
• No direct mentions of specific companies, tickers, assets, or sectors; briefing is entirely geopolitical and policy-focused with indirect market implications.