President Trump predicted on Sunday (April 12) that the current high gas prices in the United States might see a slight increase or remain at the current level before the midterm elections in November. The prices of oil have already surged significantly due to the impact of the conflict with Iran.
Fox News anchor Maria Bartiromo asked Trump whether his recent announcement of the blockade of the Hormuz Strait was enough to reopen the strait and lower oil prices. Prior to the outbreak of the conflict, about one-fifth of the global oil supply was transported through that strait.
“In the end, the oil prices will come down,” Trump said. “No, perhaps it won’t happen immediately, but the prices will eventually fall.”
When referring to the Iranian regime, Trump stated that the United States “must prevent the country from possessing nuclear weapons.”
When asked if gas prices would decrease before the November elections, Trump responded, “I think they will. It’s possible, maybe. Or they may stay the same or increase slightly. But they should remain at a fairly similar level. I believe this situation of high oil prices won’t last long.”
In recent weeks, the price of Brent crude oil has remained above $100 per barrel, but it dropped to $95 per barrel last week. According to data from the American Automobile Association (AAA), the average price of regular gasoline in the United States decreased by about 1 cent per gallon to $4.12; compared to $2.98 per gallon on the eve of the outbreak of war on February 28.
Over the weekend, Vice President JD Vance led a White House delegation to Pakistan for peace talks with the Iranian regime. Just a few days ago, Trump announced a two-week ceasefire. On Saturday, both Vance and Iranian officials stated that they failed to reach an agreement.
Vance pointed out after the talks, “We need to see a clear commitment from the other side not to seek nuclear weapons or technologies that could enable them to quickly develop nuclear weapons.”
Trump posted on the social platform Truth Social, “The talks went well, most points were agreed upon, but the only truly key point, which is the nuclear issue, was not discussed.”
Trump stated that the US military would block the Hormuz Strait and warned that if Iran refuses to allow safe passage of ships, the United States would launch more strikes.
He wrote on the social platform, “I have instructed the Navy to search and intercept every ship paying passage fees to Iran in international waters.”
“All those who make illegal payments for passage will not be able to pass safely in international waters. We will also begin clearing the sea mines laid by Iran in the strait. Any Iranians who fire upon us or peaceful ships will be blown to hell!” Trump emphasized.
In response to the US statement, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard claimed that the strait remains under Iranian “complete control” and is open to non-military vessels. However, according to reports from two Iranian state-owned news agencies, Iran clearly stated that military vessels would face “strong retaliation.”
The Revolutionary Guard further warned through state-owned media and X platform that any warship should not enter the strait, stating that such actions would drag the US military and its allies “into a deadly vortex in the strait.”
Original Article:
“Trump Says Gas Prices May Be Same or ‘A Little Bit Higher’ Before Midterms” published on the English version of “The Epoch Times.”