According to various foreign media reports, Donald Trump stated in an interview with Fox News on the 12th that oil and gasoline prices by autumn could remain similar to current levels or be "slightly higher." While Trump previously claimed that the war-driven price hikes were merely a short-term phenomenon, his aides have clearly begun to realize the broader economic impact of the conflict.
Since the outbreak of the U.S.-Iran War, international oil prices have soared, leading to a significant rise in gasoline costs across the United States. According to data from the AAA, the national average gas price has reached $4.13 per gallon, surpassing the "$4 per gallon" psychological threshold for the first time in three years.
On the 10th, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for March rose 3.3% year-over-year and 0.9% month-over-month, with energy prices surging by a staggering 10.9%. As inflation concerns worsen, the preliminary University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index for April plummeted to 47.6, marking a record low.
Trump's approval ratings have been in a steady decline since the war began, hitting the lowest point of his second term. Polls indicate that a majority of Americans do not support the war against Iran and are deeply dissatisfied with rising gas prices. Analysts believe this could jeopardize the Republican Party's prospects in the midterm elections, potentially leading to the loss of their congressional majority.
Although the U.S. and Iran have agreed to a temporary two-week ceasefire, peace talks held over the weekend in Pakistan—which lasted 21 hours—concluded without a consensus. Consequently, international oil prices rebounded to over $100 per barrel during early trading on the 13th.
The U.S. has also announced that, starting today, it will begin a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, primarily targeting vessels heading to major Iranian ports. Additionally, Trump issued a threat on his Truth Social platform, stating that any ships found making "illegal payments" for passage to Iran would not be guaranteed safe passage on the high seas.
