Iran-U.S. Conflict Continues Amid High Fuel Prices and Blockade

Iran has called on the United States to accept defeat in the ongoing war between the two nations. President Donald Trump, however, has urged Americans to prepare for persistently high fuel prices, stating that paying 'a little more for gas' is worth it to ensure Iran does not possess nuclear weapons.

The statements from both sides indicate that they are still far from reaching an agreement to end the conflict. The war began on February 28, 2026, and has been ongoing for 260 days.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said in a statement that the Strait of Hormuz will only be opened and closed at Iran's command, and as long as the US continues to live in delusion, Iran will continue to impose a blockade on the strategic shipping lane.

The closure of shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz has pushed crude oil contract prices up by about $1 per barrel. The average price of gasoline in the US reached around $4.08 per gallon on Friday (August 14), up 29% from $3.16 per gallon a year earlier.

The United Arab Emirates state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company said two of its ships were attacked while crossing the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday night, and another ship was attacked again on Friday (August 14).