Trump Says Iran War Is Not Behind High Gasoline Prices

US President Donald Trump said the war with Iran was not the reason for higher gasoline prices, pointing instead to damage to Russian refineries and refinery closures in Democratic-governed US states.

Trump said the Strait of Hormuz was no longer the cause of rising prices at the pump. His remarks shifted the focus away from the strategic waterway and toward oil-refining capacity.

He cited damage caused by Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries as one factor behind the increase in gasoline prices.

Trump also blamed the closure of refineries in US states governed by Democrats, presenting those shutdowns as another source of pressure on fuel supplies.

His explanation placed responsibility on disruptions to refining operations abroad and closures at home, rather than on the Iran war. The remarks did not specify how much either factor had contributed to higher prices.