Iran Keeps Strait Closed as US Gas Prices Soar
The conflict between the US and Iran shows no signs of resolution as both parties maintain their stance. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said that the Strait of Hormuz will be opened and closed only under Iran's command, and until the US accepts defeat, Iran will continue to enforce the blockade.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian blamed high inflation on a US blockade of Iranian ports and sanctions on Iran's oil exports. The average US price of a gallon of gasoline was $4.08 on Friday, up 29% from last year.
The US has urged Americans to accept slightly higher fuel prices while the conflict continues. President Donald Trump said paying 'a tiny little bit more for your gasoline' is worth the cost of ensuring an 'evil country' cannot have a nuclear weapon.