Gasoline Prices and Tariff Threats

The US government’s views on the Gulf war and its consequences seem to be contradictory. US Treasury Secretary Bessent said the Strait of Hormuz was not being mined—later clarified by officials to mean that it probably was. US President Trump asserted US strength as an oil producer, then called for emergency intermeeting rate cuts (a crisis measure to prevent imminent recession). Iranian policy is consistent—the strait will remain closed.