Gas Prices Soar Amid US-Iran War, Trump Blames Iran

0:00From Durham, this is your March 9th update. Ten days into the U.S. war with Iran, gas prices have jumped sharply across the country. The national average hit $3.47 on Monday, up nearly 50 cents from just last week. Oil prices even topped $100 a barrel briefly, the highest since Russia's invasion of Ukraine back in 2022. President Trump brushed off the spike as a minor hiccup during interviews over the weekend. He said prices would drop fast once the threat from Iran ends, calling it a small cost for safety. Meanwhile, diesel could see even bigger increases, pushing toward $5 a gallon soon. Polls show growing frustration with these costs, heading into the midterms. Only 36% of voters approve of Trump's handling of inflation, and 54% disapprove of his approach to Iran. Families are feeling sticker-shock at the pump after he had touted prices below $2.30 earlier this year. Prices are pushing back hard, urging Trump to release oil from the strategic petroleum

1:02reserve for quick relief. Leaders like Chuck Schumer say higher prices are hurting everyday Americans and making everything cost more. Trump has not committed, instead criticizing past use by his predecessor. Analysts warned prices could rise another 15 to 35 cents this week if the conflict drags on. Trump mentioned possible Navy escorts for tankers through the Strait of Hormuz and government insurance for ships. Americans insist the pain will be short-lived, but recovery could take weeks for everyday the war continues. A message from our sponsor supports today's story. It looks like a pillow. It sounds like headphones. Feel for comfort and sound, S-O-L-L-I, solely pillow.com