Live: Iran refuses to yield on Hormuz control as Trump asks Americans to endure rising fuel costs

Former President Donald Trump on Friday asked the American public to bear marginally increased petrol rates while hostilities with Iran persist. Speaking at a campaign gathering in Garden City, New York, Trump argued that spending a small extra amount on fuel is a necessary price to prevent an "evil nation" from obtaining nuclear weaponry—a key justification he has cited for military action. Data from the American Automobile Association indicates that nationwide petrol prices averaged approximately $4.08 per gallon on Friday. This represents a 29% surge compared to $3.16 recorded during the corresponding period last year, intensifying inflationary pressures and voter discontent.

Tehran has demanded that Washington recognize its defeat in the dispute, even as Donald Trump labeled Iran an "evil" regime and asked Americans to prepare for persistent high energy costs. The sharply conflicting statements highlight a deep divide between both sides, bringing diplomatic negotiations and commercial vessel movements through the vital Strait of Hormuz to a complete standstill. Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, declared on X early Saturday that the passage would operate solely on Tehran's terms. He emphasized that as long as Washington rejects the reality of its setback and holds onto illusions, Iran will maintain its maritime blockade, displaying no haste to resume normal commercial shipping. Gharibabadi further remarked that control over the Strait of Hormuz cannot be claimed through social media posts, military aircraft carriers, administrative decrees, or campaign speeches.

The United Arab Emirates' national energy corporation ADNOC announced Saturday that one of its commercial ships was targeted while traversing the Strait of Hormuz, marking the latest aggression in the contested maritime corridor. Tehran has maintained a stringent blockade over the key global energy transit route, launching repeated assaults on trading vessels since hostilities broke out in February. The Iranian regime intends to levy fees on maritime traffic passing through the zone, a demand that Washington strongly rejects. According to the state news agency WAM, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company confirmed the strike occurred on the night of Friday, August 14, adding that no casualties or injuries were sustained among the crew.