Iran defiant on strait as Trump tells Americans to accept high gas prices

Iran remains defiant over the Strait of Hormuz as President Donald Trump urges Americans to accept higher gasoline prices amid the ongoing conflict. No significant progress has been made towards peace talks, and the key waterway through which one-fifth of the world's oil once passed remains closed under Iranian command. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned that the conflict could continue as long as the US does not accept the reality of defeat.

Meanwhile, gasoline prices in the US have surged by 29% year-over-year, reaching an average of $4.08 per gallon. This price increase has been attributed to the US blockade of Iranian ports and sanctions on Iranian oil exports. Despite Iran's strong stance, there are signs of economic impact, with President Masoud Pezeshkian blaming the high inflation on the blockade.

The US has pledged to inflict more financial damage on Iran in the coming days. The Strait of Hormuz saw only two vessels pass through on Friday, a drastic reduction from the more than 130 vessels that typically traverse it daily before the war.