Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Aug 15: US President Donald Trump on Friday defended his decision to launch military action against Iran, saying he would “never apologize” despite rising gasoline prices and the economic pressure the conflict has placed on Americans.
Speaking at a rally in Garden City, New York, Trump said he believed the military campaign had been the right decision and argued that Americans paying somewhat more for gasoline was a worthwhile price for preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Reuters reported that Trump urged Americans to accept “a tiny little bit more” at the pump while the conflict continues.
“I did the right thing,” Trump said, rejecting the suggestion that he should apologise for the consequences of the war. He maintained that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon justified the economic costs being felt by consumers.
The comments came as gasoline prices in the United States remain significantly higher than before the conflict began. The war, which started on February 28, has disrupted oil supplies and maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy routes. Around 20% of global oil exports passed through the strait before the conflict, making any prolonged disruption a major concern for energy markets.
The national average gasoline price has climbed above $4 a gallon, with prices rising by more than 25% since the war began, according to reports. The increase has created growing political pressure on the Trump administration as American households face higher fuel and transportation costs.
Trump, however, sought to frame the higher prices as a necessary sacrifice. He argued that the United States had prevented Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and that the cost to American motorists was justified by the broader security objective.
The president also escalated his rhetoric over the Strait of Hormuz, saying the United States could take an even more permanent role in controlling the strategically vital waterway. Trump said he would “pretty soon” declare the strait a US territory after the Iran conflict is resolved.
The remarks come as the US Navy maintains a blockade around Iranian ports and the Trump administration says it can sustain the operation indefinitely. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Thursday that the United States had the military capability to maintain the blockade by rotating naval forces in the region.
The blockade and continuing attacks on commercial shipping have sharply reduced traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters reported that only a small number of vessels have recently passed through the waterway, compared with more than 130 ships a day before the conflict. Iran has insisted that the strait will not be reopened until US sanctions are lifted and other conditions are met.
The economic fallout has also been reflected in global oil markets. On Friday, Brent crude rose by more than $1 a barrel to around $88.50, while US West Texas Intermediate crude also climbed, putting both benchmarks on track for weekly gains.
At the same time, diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain stalled. An interim agreement reached in June collapsed after renewed hostilities, with Iran and the United States blaming each other for failing to fulfil commitments. Iranian officials have said there has been no meaningful progress in efforts to revive the agreement.
Trump's comments also came amid growing domestic criticism over the costs and duration of the war. Reuters reported that the conflict has become an increasingly difficult political issue for the president, with public concern about fuel prices and the wider economic impact adding to pressure ahead of the US midterm elections.
Despite the criticism, Trump has continued to defend the military campaign and has shown no indication of apologising for the higher energy costs. He has instead argued that the United States' objective of preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon makes the economic and military sacrifices worthwhile.