Iran defiant on Strait of Hormuz as Trump tells Americans to accept high fuel prices

Iran has issued a defiant statement regarding the strategic Strait of Hormuz, asserting that its control over the waterway is absolute and demanding the United States acknowledge defeat.

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This strait will be opened and closed only under Iran’s command, and so long as you do not accept the reality of defeat and stop indulging in fantasies, Iran will continue to enforce the blockade.

"This strait will be opened and closed only under Iran’s command," posted Iran's deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi on X early Saturday. He added, "so long as you do not accept the reality of defeat and stop indulging in fantasies, Iran will continue to enforce the blockade."

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump urged Americans to accept slightly higher gasoline prices, framing it as a necessary cost for preventing what he called a "very evil country" from obtaining nuclear weapons. Speaking at a rally in New York, Trump stated that paying "a tiny little bit more for your gasoline" is worth the effort.

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The Strait of Hormuz cannot be seized by a tweet or an aircraft carrier, by issuing an order or by ‌delivering an election speech.

The conflict, launched by the U.S. and Israel on February 28th, has halted progress toward peace talks and oil tanker traffic through the vital Strait of Hormuz, which previously handled a fifth of the world's oil. Foreign minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that Iran had not decided to resume talks with the U.S., stating Washington must meet certain conditions for shipping to resume.

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paying “a tiny little bit more for your gasoline” is worth the cost of ensuring “a ‌very ‌evil ​country” could not have a nuclear weapon

Despite Iran's strong rhetoric, the economic impact of the conflict is becoming apparent. President Masoud Pezeshkian attributed high inflation to the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports and sanctions on oil exports. The U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pledged further financial damage against Iran, with announcements of new measures expected next week. Crude oil futures saw a rise, with Brent futures on track for a weekly increase of 6.0 percent and West Texas Intermediate up 5.4 percent.

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What we’re doing is a great service for the world, not only for ourselves ... and we’re really doing a great job.