Rising oil prices linked to the escalating U.S. conflict with Iran are “a very small price to pay” for global security, according to President Donald Trump, who defended the economic impact of the confrontation in a social media post Sunday.
In a message posted to Truth Social, Trump argued that higher energy costs would be temporary and justified if they ultimately lead to the elimination of Iran’s nuclear threat.
“Short term oil prices, which will drop rapidly when the destruction of the Iran nuclear threat is over, is a very small price to pay for U.S.A., and World, Safety and Peace,” Trump said in the post. He added emphatically: “ONLY FOOLS WOULD THINK DIFFERENTLY!”
Energy markets have reacted sharply to the conflict. Oil prices surged in recent days as tensions disrupted global supply routes and created uncertainty in international markets. According to data from AAA (American Automobile Association), the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in the United States increased by 14 percent between last week and Saturday.
A key factor behind the spike is Iran’s move to effectively close the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime corridor that carries roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply from the Persian Gulf to global markets. The disruption has intensified fears of broader supply shortages and pushed benchmark crude prices higher.
As of Friday afternoon, West Texas Intermediate crude oil had climbed above $91 per barrel after jumping $10 in a single day. Meanwhile, Brent crude — the international benchmark — rose $7 to reach $92 per barrel.
The administration is also facing mounting political pressure over the economic impact. With voters consistently ranking affordability among their top concerns ahead of upcoming midterm elections, the U.S. Department of the Treasury said it plans to release measures aimed at easing rising energy costs in the near future.
