Trump urges US public to 'sacrifice' for higher gas prices amid Iran tensions

President Donald Trump has called on Americans to brace for higher gasoline prices, framing it as a necessary sacrifice to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. The president made the remarks at a political rally in Garden City, New York, stating that paying more for fuel is worthwhile to ensure a "very bad" country does not acquire nuclear arms.

This plea coincides with a nearly 30% increase in average U.S. gas prices compared to last year. Reports indicate that rising inflation is burdening citizens and could potentially erode voter support for Trump, especially as the increase in fuel costs contradicts his campaign promise to lower energy expenses. This situation presents an opportunity for the Democratic Party to leverage the economic impact of the Iran conflict in the upcoming November midterm elections.

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Paying more for petrol is worthwhile to ensure a 'very bad' country does not have nuclear weapons.

Trump also declared his intention to designate the Strait of Hormuz as "U.S. territory" soon, as Washington prepares to impose significant economic pressure on Iran to end its nuclear program. Conversely, Iran urged Washington to accept defeat, asserting that the Strait of Hormuz would only open according to Tehran's decisions, signaling a continued stalemate between the two nations.

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This strait will only be opened and closed at the command of Iran, and as long as you do not accept the reality of defeat and continue to live in illusion, Iran will continue to enforce sanctions.

"This strait will only be opened and closed at the command of Iran, and as long as you do not accept the reality of defeat and continue to live in illusion, Iran will continue to enforce sanctions," stated Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi on X. He emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz cannot be seized merely through social media posts, aircraft carriers, directives, or election speeches.

Intermediaries from Qatar and Pakistan are reportedly in contact with Iran, exchanging messages, but these actions are not yet considered negotiations, according to relevant agencies. Analysis from ship-tracking firm Kpler indicated that only two vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Friday: a grain carrier entering Iranian waters and an empty cargo ship moving in the opposite direction. Another empty tanker carrying liquefied petroleum products was entering the Gulf, but no crude oil shipments were detected. While some ships may be navigating the strait undetected by disabling their automatic identification systems, the volume is significantly lower than the over 130 vessels that typically use the route daily before the conflict. Ships that dare to cross without Iran's permission face the risk of missile or drone attacks.

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The Strait of Hormuz cannot be seized merely through social media posts, aircraft carriers, directives, or election speeches.