Iran Threatens Strait Blockade as Trump Urges Americans to Accept Higher Gas Prices

The US and Iran remain far apart in their standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warning that the waterway will only be opened under Iranian command. The comments come as President Donald Trump urged Americans to accept higher fuel prices while the conflict continues.

The average US price of a gallon of gasoline was about $4.08 on Friday, up 29% from $3.16 a year earlier, according to the American Automobile Association. Iran's enforcement of strait traffic is seen as a blockade by Tehran, but Washington views it as such as well.

No crude oil shipments were visible in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, with only two vessels passing through - a grain ship entering Iranian waters and an empty dry bulk ship going the other direction. Those that dare navigate the strait without Iranian permission risk missile or drone strikes.