Trump Defends Iran War Gas Prices: 'I'll Never Apologize, I Did the Right Thing'

President Donald Trump told a Long Island rally on Friday that he will never apologize for higher gas prices tied to the Iran War, insisting the military action was necessary to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran. Speaking at an event supporting Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman's Republican bid for New York governor, Trump framed the price at the pump as a patriotic trade-off for national security.

Trump mocked Democratic claims about affordability, saying the press had been 'screaming what about eggs?' on his first day in office. He blamed Democrats for the affordability crisis, calling it a 'hoax' and noting that 'we're bringing the prices way down.'

Trump: Iran War Was a Necessary 'Fire' to Put Out

Trump described the decision to strike Iran as a preventive measure against a catastrophic threat. 'We can't let Iran keep going. They would've had a nuclear weapon if we didn't hit them with the B-2 bombers,' he said. 'It would have been a very sad day for this country and for the entire world.'

The president touted the U.S. blockade of the Hormuz Strait, calling it 'a wall of steel' that ensures 'no ships get through unless we want them to.' He added, 'Pretty soon I'll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States.'

Gas Prices Hit Record Highs for This Time of Year

Trump's remarks come as Americans face the highest national average gas price on record for mid-August. GasBuddy reported the average at $4.03 per gallon, the first time prices have exceeded $4 after August 12. Data shows a clear spike following the start of the Iran War in late February.

Trump acknowledged the pain at the pump but urged patience. 'When you have to pay a little bit more, you're at $4, it's okay,' he said. 'I had it down to below $2 in many states. And California can't include because they keep taxing, taxing, taxing.'

Trump: 'I Did the Right Thing' for National Security

Trump rejected any suggestion of regret, stating, 'I'll never apologize, I did the right thing.' He framed the cost as a small price for global safety: 'You're doing it so that a very evil country cannot have a nuclear weapon.'

The president also highlighted his recent trip to Iowa, where he saw gas priced at $1.85 to $1.95 a gallon before the conflict began. 'We have bad news for you guys,' he recalled telling Iowans. 'We have to make a little journey to the Middle East because we have to put out a potential disaster.'

What This Means for Iowa Drivers

For Iowa families, the national average of $4.03 per gallon translates to higher costs at the pump, though state prices often run below the national average. Trump's defense of the war effort may resonate with voters who prioritize national security over short-term economic pain, but the affordability issue remains a key Democratic talking point heading into the midterms.

As the Iran conflict continues, energy prices will likely stay a central issue in Iowa's political debates. Trump's message is clear: the sacrifice is worth it. 'Our military is unbelievable, the blockade is unstoppable,' he said. 'What we're doing is a great service for the world.'