U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on CNBC that a war involving Iran could occur within weeks and that its effects would be short-lived. The comments were delivered as Greer prepared to take part in a set of trade discussions with China planned for Paris later this month.
Greer highlighted that the meetings with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng are set for March 15 to March 16 in Paris. He confirmed that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will be present at those talks, indicating coordinated participation by senior U.S. economic officials.
On the objectives for the sessions with Chinese officials, Greer said the United States aims to keep the bilateral relationship stable and to safeguard supplies of rare earths coming from China. He emphasized that the dynamic between the two countries is more balanced now than it was a year ago, without providing further detail beyond that assessment.
Addressing geopolitical links to energy, Greer noted that China obtains oil from Iran, and he pointed to that reliance as a relevant consideration in broader geopolitical calculations. He did not expand on specific policy measures related to that observation during the interview.
On the subject of tariff refunds, Greer said interest payments are part of the refund process. He also suggested that companies receiving such refunds should pass them on to employees in the form of bonuses. Greer framed that recommendation as a way for firms to translate tariff refunds into direct benefits for workers.
Contextual note - The remarks were made in the run-up to the bilateral talks in Paris where trade and economic issues are on the agenda. Greer outlined short-term geopolitical timing, trade policy priorities, and his view on how tariff refunds might be applied within firms.