WASHINGTON D.C. - President Donald Trump on Wednesday defended soaring global oil prices, now hovering near $102 per barrel for Brent crude, arguing that the economic pain is a "small cost" compared to the alternative of a nuclear-armed Iran .
Speaking at a White House press briefing, Trump addressed rising public frustration over fuel costs, which have surged 53% since the outbreak of the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran on February 28 .
Trump Says $102 Oil Price “Small Cost” to Prevent N@clear Thre@t#Trump #OilPrices #Iran #Geopolitics #EnergyCrisis #MiddleEast pic.twitter.com/ZG0yLReLd6
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"Oil is at $102 a barrel. That's a small cost to prevent a nuclear holocaust in the Middle East," Trump told reporters. "People complain about gas prices. I get it. But what's the alternative? Iran with a nuclear weapon? I don't think so. We are protecting the world. You're welcome."
Oil Impact on American Consumers
The president's comments come as average gasoline prices in the United States have climbed to 4.87pergallon,upfrom4.87pergallon,upfrom3.21 before the conflict began. Diesel prices have exceeded $6 per gallon in several states, driving up transportation and food costs nationwide .
When pressed about relief for American families, Trump pointed to the administration's recent authorization of expanded domestic drilling and the release of strategic petroleum reserves. "We're doing everything we can. But let's be clear - energy independence means nothing if the entire Gulf is on fire and nuclear weapons are in play," he said .
The Nuclear Concern
The administration's primary stated objective remains preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed that Iran is approximately six to nine months away from having enough highly enriched uranium for a single warhead - a timeline that has been a central driver of the administration's强硬 stance .
Secretary of State Marco Rubio elaborated on Trump's remarks: "The President is being honest with the American people. There is a cost to inaction, and that cost is potentially catastrophic. A few extra dollars at the pump is not pleasant, but it is infinitely preferable to a nuclear arms race in the most volatile region on Earth."
Iran's Response
Iranian officials have repeatedly denied any intention to produce nuclear weapons, stating that their program is for peaceful energy purposes. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei responded to Trump's comments: "The United States has invented a nuclear threat to justify economic warfare and military aggression against our nation. Iran's nuclear program is peaceful. The only nuclear threats in the region come from Israel's undeclared arsenal."
Global Market Reaction
Oil markets reacted cautiously to Trump's remarks. Brent crude futures briefly spiked to 104beforesettlingat104beforesettlingat101.80. Analysts noted that the president's willingness to tolerate high prices signals that the administration does not intend to ease pressure on Iran anytime soon .
"The market has been hoping for a diplomatic breakthrough that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz," said Vandana Hari, founder of Vanda Insights. "Trump's comments suggest that breakthrough is not imminent. The risk premium is likely to remain elevated for the foreseeable future."
Economic Fallout
The prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz - through which approximately 20% of global oil passes - has choked supply chains worldwide. The United Nations has warned that elevated energy and food prices could push tens of millions more people into poverty, particularly in developing nations .
Domestically, the Federal Reserve has signaled that persistent energy inflation could delay anticipated interest rate cuts, with Chair Jerome Powell noting that "energy shocks have historically been difficult to distinguish from broader inflationary pressures."
Political Implications
With midterm elections approaching, Trump's willingness to accept high oil prices carries political risks. A recent poll showed that 62% of Americans consider gas prices a "major concern," and the administration has faced criticism from both progressives and some moderate Democrats for not doing more to shield consumers .
However, Trump's base has largely supported his强硬 stance on Iran, viewing national security concerns as paramount. "I voted for Trump to be tough on Iran. If that means paying a little more at the pump, so be it," said Mark Henderson, a construction worker from Ohio, in an interview .
