Media: Trump advisers worry fuel price surge could hurt Republican support
According to Western media citing sources, advisers to U.S. President Donald Trump are concerned that the ongoing rise in domestic fuel prices amid the Middle East crisis could come at a political cost to the Republican Party.
Earlier reports indicated that the average U.S. gasoline price has surpassed $4.5 per gallon (approximately 3.8 liters), reaching the second-highest level in history—just below the peak prices seen during President Joe Biden’s tenure in 2022. Republican candidate Donald Trump has repeatedly highlighted this issue during his campaign, using it to criticize the incumbent President Biden.
Citing private discussions among advisers, the report stated: "Trump's advisers are increasingly concerned in private conversations about the potential political costs that rising fuel prices could bring to the Republican Party."
It was reported that several of Trump’s advisers are urging the halt of military actions against Iran, hoping that fuel prices will begin to decline before the November congressional midterm elections.
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched multiple strikes targeting locations inside Iran, including attacks on Tehran, resulting in damage and civilian casualties. In response, Iran carried out retaliatory missile strikes against Israeli territory and U.S. military targets in the Middle East.
On April 8, Washington and Tehran announced a two-week ceasefire, but subsequent talks held in Islamabad ended without results. There is currently no news of renewed hostilities, though the U.S. has begun blocking Iranian ports. Mediators are now attempting to facilitate a new round of negotiations.
Due to the escalation of conflict, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has nearly come to a complete halt. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global transit route for oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas. As a result, fuel prices have risen across most countries worldwide.
Source: sputniknews
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864519265722432/
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