On TV, Trump says gas prices could have doubled after Iran strikes; Worst yet to come for Americans?

US President Donald Trump is defending rising fuel prices amid the conflict with Iran, saying Americans could have faced even steeper costs after US strikes. Trump described higher gasoline prices as a “small price to pay,” arguing that the economic impact must be weighed against his administration’s security objectives. His remarks come as energy markets remain sensitive to escalating tensions in the Middle East and the risk of further military action against Tehran. With households already watching fuel costs closely, questions are growing over how a prolonged conflict could affect American consumers, inflation and the wider economy. Could the economic fallout deepen if the war escalates?