On March 23, as the Trump administration continued to escalate its hardline stance against Iran, U.S. Treasury Secretary Mnuchin stated that the strikes against Iran would lead to short-term price increases but are expected to result in a 'nuclear-free Iran' and long-term stability. He emphasized that 'sometimes you have to escalate first to achieve de-escalation.' Meanwhile, Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, threatening to strike its energy infrastructure if it does not open the Strait of Hormuz. This statement has sparked controversy within the U.S., with some lawmakers warning that the costs of war and inflationary pressures are spiraling out of control.