Trump Considers Ending Iran War: Gas Prices Surpass $4

Donald Trump has indicated to his aides his willingness to conclude the war with Iran, regardless of whether the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked.

This stance arises in a context of growing concern over rising gasoline prices in the United States, which have surpassed $4 per gallon, marking a milestone since 2022.

The Strait of Hormuz is vital, as approximately one-fifth of the world's oil trade passes through it, making its closure a matter of great economic impact globally.

Trump believes that the United States has achieved major military goals by damaging Iran's naval and missile capabilities.

According to the former president, reopening the strait could be the task of diplomacy or other countries that depend more on this route.

This stance comes at a delicate moment for American drivers, with the average price of regular gasoline reaching $4.02 per gallon on March 31, according to AAA data.

The rise in gasoline prices is considered a strategy by Iran to wage economic warfare, disrupting the flow of oil through Hormuz.

This increase, the most pronounced since 2000, according to Reuters, puts pressure on consumers.

Trump has indicated that he does not want the United States to take full responsibility for securing the passage, despite having initiated the conflict.

Trump urged his allies, affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, to 'get their own oil,' emphasizing that other countries should lead the efforts to reopen the route quickly.

This stance has strained relations with allies that depend directly on Middle Eastern energy shipments.

The White House has limited options to quickly lower prices, although it has taken measures such as suspending the Jones Act and releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Analysts indicated that these actions have only managed to slow down the price increase, but not reverse it.

The current disruptions have pushed crude above $100 a barrel and have increased diesel prices, which puts pressure on freight, food costs, and household budgets.

Iran has considered the possibility of establishing a toll for the Strait, which would generate billions in revenue.

Trump has suggested that the conflict might not last long, predicting an 'automatic' reopening of the strait after a US withdrawal, although this has not been verified.

This decision carries political risks, as rising fuel prices affect consumers just months before the elections.

Voters assess the economy based on gasoline prices, and despite being a major oil producer, the United States remains vulnerable to global price fluctuations when a crucial point like Hormuz is disrupted.

The $4 per gallon price is an important benchmark for voters, who assess the economy based on prices at gas stations.

Energy analysts noted that the United States, although a large oil producer, is susceptible to global price spikes when a crucial point like the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted.

Despite Trump's comments, the United States appears to be preparing for a ground operation, which is a risky move and will likely prolong the conflict.