Gas Prices Breaking the Bank? A Rocky US-Iranian Relationship is to Blame.
Source: The Economic Times
Gas prices across the United States right now are no laughing matter. What many don't realize is politcal relationships are to blame for gas prices breaking the bank. There's history, power dynamics, and male egos at play here, so strap in, grab a diet coke, and get ready for the break down.
Breaking Down Breaking News
On February 28th of this year, Israel launched a largescale attack on Iran, stating it was a "preemptive strike against an impending nuclear attack." Iran then launched a retaliatory attack essentially bringing the United States into the conflict through allyship. The United States then stuck Iran in many waves as part of a mission entitled "Operation Epic Fury." The United States then stated to the American people that we have declared war against Iran as a result of our alliance with Israel.
Iran, whose location on the Strait of Hormuz (Gulf in the Middle East) has been key to their economy, closed the Strait to commercial shipping and blocked all oil exports to the United States, causing a drastic spike in gas prices. As of May 2026, there is a hefty toll imposed by Iran, more specifically by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp, for non-US allied ships to pass through the Strait. This is happening whilst Donald Trump and Supreme Leader of Iran Mojtaba Khamenei come to an agreement to reopen the Strait on a more permanent basis. The United States Navy has also imposed a blockade for ships trying to get to and from Iranian ports.
In Gen Z Terms
This is the equivalent of Ralph Lauren having beef with Levi's (jeans). Instead of handling the conflict through communication, Ralph Lauren launches an attack ad against the jean company. Levi's rightfully retaliates. Again, instead of having a conversation to dilute the fallout, Ralph Lauren calls its mom, L'Oréal Paris, to completely ruin Levi's and any progress they've made as a brand. While L'Oréal is not successful, Levi's has now closed off all production and blocked any L'Oréal customers from purchasing their jeans. This drives the price of vintage Levi's jeans through the roof amongst L'Oréal customers causing an uproar (for the sake of the analogy lol.)
IMO (In My Opinion)
Whether or not you are supportive of Israel, it is an indisputable fact that they are an ally of the United States. Unfortunately, this situation is a prime example of how political allyship can be harmful, especially when the system of checks and balances is being slowly dissembled. Israel acted without merit, and when they received attacks comperable to the ones they dished out, they called for the United States to act on their behalf. This is all in an attempt, on Israel's part, to dominate the middle east while simultaneously playing victim. The most important, yet infuriating part, is that the citizens of all three locations are now paying the price. Both Iran and Israel have faced significant human casualties along with the economic consequences being faced by the American and Iranian people. What's more, the conflict between the US and Iran has affected the surrounding middle eastern countries and not just those directly involved in the original conflict.
It is the opinion of this writer that this is yet another example of why American citizens, especially those of Gen Z, need to remain hyper-aware of political events going on worldwide. Children are dying and people's homes are being ruined as a result of our government's actions. While we are dealing with the economic fallout, people's lives are being destroyed. But as an American, no matter whether you decide to pay attention to politics or not, you will be reaping the repercussions of our government's actions. Rather than just looking at gas prices and accepting your fate, it is crucial we pay attention to current events if only to understand the reason behind our wallets' suffering.
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