Trump Says Iran Is “Very Nasty” as War Drives Up U.S. Fuel Costs

Iran has called on the United States to accept defeat, while President Donald Trump described Tehran as “very nasty” and warned Americans to prepare for higher fuel costs as the conflict continues, Reuters reported.

Speaking at a political rally in Garden City, New York, on Friday, Trump said Americans may have to pay more for energy because of the war. He argued that the additional cost was worthwhile if it helped prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and protected U.S. national security.

There has been little progress in peace talks between Washington and Tehran, while the strategically important Strait of Hormuz remains closed to oil tankers. There are also no clear signs that the conflict, which began with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, is moving toward an end.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Saturday that Iran would decide when the Strait of Hormuz would reopen. He accused the U.S. of refusing to accept the reality of the situation and said Iran would continue its blockade.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also said Tehran has not decided to resume negotiations with Washington. In an interview published Saturday, he said the U.S. would have to meet certain conditions before shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could resume.

The waterway is critical to global energy markets. Before the conflict, roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply passed through the Strait of Hormuz, meaning prolonged disruption could continue to put pressure on global oil and fuel prices.