Trump says brace for fuel price rise amid Iran deadlock

President Donald Trump warned Americans to anticipate ongoing elevated fuel costs due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. He portrayed Tehran as a "very evil" nation and insisted on Americans accepting minor increases in gasoline prices in exchange for preventing the country from acquiring nuclear weapons. The strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for one-fifth of global oil before the war, remains closed under Iranian control, and peace talks have not progressed.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister reiterated that the strait will only open under Iranian command. Meanwhile, Iran has not yet decided to resume talks with the US. Trump urged Americans to accept slightly higher gasoline prices while the conflict persists, emphasizing the importance of ensuring Iran does not acquire nuclear capabilities.

Throughout the war, Trump's stance has shifted between threats of escalation and claims of imminent peace. The average US price of a gallon of gasoline reached $4.08 on Friday, a 29% increase from the previous year. Iran has escalated its rhetoric, insisting that the strait of Hormuz cannot be seized by military force or political speeches.

Tehran blames the US blockade and sanctions for high inflation, causing economic strain in the country. As of Friday, only two vessels passed through the strait, a significant decrease from the over 130 ships that typically traversed it daily before the war.