White House insists Iran war will actually make gas cheaper

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday claimed that the U.S. and Israeli military strikes in Iran could ultimately make gas cheaper for Americans despite soaring prices at the pump.

Leavitt was speaking during a news conference when she made the comment, just as the U.S. entered its 11th day of war in the Middle East. Gas prices rose nearly 9 percent in the week after the bombing campaign began, with the national average for a gallon of regular gas hitting $3.25, according to AAA.

"Rest assured to the American people — the recent increase in oil and gas prices is temporary, and this operation will result in lower gas prices in the long term," Leavitt said.

"Once the national security objectives of Operation Epic Fury are fully achieved, Americans will see oil and gas prices drop rapidly, potentially even lower than prior to the start of the operation," Leavitt added.