Bessent Sees US Growth Above 3 Percent Despite Iran War as IMF Cuts Outlook

The Treasury chief said the economy remains strong, while Trump predicted that energy prices would drop quickly.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent looks on as he speaks to the media after two days of meetings with a Chinese delegation, in Paris, France, on March 16, 2026. Abdul Saboor/Reuters

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the U.S. economy could grow more than 3 percent this year despite disruptions from the Iran war, while President Donald Trump said energy prices would soon fall sharply, limiting inflation risks.

“I think the underlying economy remains strong,” Bessent said on April 14 during a Wall Street Journal Opinion Live event in Washington. “I do think that the growth could easily exceed 3 percent, 3.5 percent this year, still.”