Iran has vowed to maintain its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, while President Donald Trump warns Americans to expect continued high fuel prices due to the ongoing conflict.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated Saturday that Tehran will continue to enforce a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz until the United States accepts defeat. The conflict, which began on February 28 following a joint U.S. and Israeli military campaign, has stalled oil tanker traffic through the strategic waterway. President Donald Trump has characterized Iran as a "very evil" country and urged Americans to accept higher gasoline prices as a necessary cost of the war.

Stalemate Over Strategic Waterway

The Strait of Hormuz, which previously handled approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies, remains a central point of contention. Iran has established de facto control over much of the passage, while the U.S. Navy maintains a blockade of Iranian ports. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran has not decided whether to resume negotiations with Washington, noting that the U.S. must first meet Iran's conditions regarding the strait.

Economic Impact and Political Rhetoric

President Trump, speaking at rallies in New York and New Jersey, stated that he intends to declare the Strait of Hormuz U.S. territory after the war concludes. He defended the economic fallout, including rising fuel costs, as a necessary measure to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. As of Friday, the average U.S. gasoline price reached $4.08 per gallon, a 29% increase from the previous year. Crude oil futures also saw gains, with Brent futures trending toward a 6% weekly increase.