The Fox News Rundown Business Rundown: The President Opens the Toolbox to Cool Energy Prices
Mar 20, 2026
Phil Flynn, senior market analyst and energy commentator, offers sharp takes on oil markets and geopolitics. He discusses Strait of Hormuz risks and why Iran may not sustain attacks. He explains how lifting sanctions or SPR moves could cool prices. He also covers the impact of U.S. exports, preserving oil infrastructure, and how quickly markets may reset after hostilities end.
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Iran's Warning Signals Suggest Intent To De-escalate
- Iran's attacks are signaling de-escalation rather than full escalation.
- Phil Flynn points to Iran warning of strikes ahead of time so neighbors can thwart them, suggesting intent to avoid sustained infrastructure damage.
Signal SPR Availability To Calm Markets
- Use strategic SPR releases and public signaling to calm oil markets.
- Phil Flynn praises Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent for signaling more SPR barrels are available, which reduces speculative long positions.
Floating Sanctioned Barrels Hold Real Market Power
- Unsanctioning tanked Iranian and Russian barrels can materially ease short-term supply fears.
- Flynn says 140 million barrels at sea represent floating storage and releasing them would quickly lower prices, though not a long-term fix.