President Trump blamed recent gasoline price spikes on strikes against Russian fuel facilities linked to the Russia-Ukraine war and urged Ukraine to avoid hitting diesel targets — while asserting that Iran is eager for a negotiated deal. Diplomatic talks between U.S. and Iranian delegations began in June, but exchanges of strikes continue and the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint. Recent incidents include an attack on an Iranian commercial ship (1 dead, 4 wounded), Houthi projectiles striking Saudi territory, and a precautionary shutdown of Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline. The U.S. is supplying intelligence support to Saudi Arabia but is not currently planning direct strikes on the Houthis.
Trump Blames Russia-Ukraine Strikes For Gas Spike; Iran Says It Wants A Deal As Gulf Tensions Rise
Paul Faith/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump is pictured during the Irish Open golf tournament at the Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, Ireland, on Sept. 13, 2026.
President Donald Trump confirmed on Feb. 28 that the U.S. had launched "major combat operations" against Iran, saying coordinated U.S.-Israeli strikes targeted military, government and infrastructure sites. Diplomatic channels opened in June, when delegations from both countries began talks aimed at negotiating a war-ending memorandum of understanding, but tit‑for‑tat attacks have continued since then.
Trump's Comments On Gas Prices And Diplomacy
Speaking on the final day of the 2026 Amgen Irish Open at his Doonbeg golf course in Ireland, Trump disputed that the Middle East conflict is driving recent gasoline price spikes. He blamed strikes on Russian fuel facilities tied to the Russia-Ukraine war and urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to avoid hitting diesel targets inside Russia.
"This isn't done by the Middle East. This is done by what's happening with Russia and Ukraine... Don't hit diesel fuel because that's hurting the world," Trump told reporters.
Trump also reiterated his expectation that the war with Iran would end "right after the midterms," while saying Tehran is actively seeking a deal. "Iran wants to make a deal so badly. They are calling constantly," he said, adding he will only accept an acceptable agreement.
Handout/Planet Labs/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: SAUDI-YEMEN-US-IRAN-ISRAEL-WAR
Maritime And Regional Incidents
Iranian state media reported that an Iranian commercial container ship was struck by an "unidentified projectile" near Hengam Island in the Strait of Hormuz early Sunday, killing one crew member and wounding four. The incident occurred as Iran prepared to meet Gulf states in Oman to discuss safe passage for commercial shipping.
Separately, Saudi Civil Defense said a projectile fired by Houthi forces in Yemen fell in the Al‑Tawwal area of the Jazan region, injuring two people and damaging a mosque, buildings and vehicles. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi ordered an investigation and dismissed the commander of Maysan province after authorities traced attacks on a Saudi oil pipeline to locations inside the province.
Energy Route Disruptions And Military Support
Saudi authorities temporarily shut the East-West pipeline as a precaution after multiple attacks. The pipeline runs from Saudi Arabia's eastern oil fields to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, offering an alternative route when the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted.
Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photo - PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth listens during an observance ceremony on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Sept. 11, 2026, at the Pentagon in Washington.
The U.S. has provided intelligence and targeting assistance to Saudi Arabia but, according to U.S. officials, is not currently planning direct strikes against the Houthis. Officials stressed that policy could change if threats to Red Sea shipping lanes escalate.
Diplomacy And Broader Context
Iranian state TV said Tehran planned a regional meeting with Gulf countries in Oman to discuss "safe routes for commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz," though GCC attendance was not immediately confirmed. The meeting, if held, would be the first gathering of top Gulf diplomats with a senior Iranian official since the conflict escalated earlier in the year.
At a Pentagon ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, Trump framed the confrontation with Iran as part of broader U.S. efforts against state sponsors of terrorism, saying the U.S. will work to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
The situation in the Gulf and Red Sea remains fluid: diplomatic talks and limited regional cooperation coexist with intermittent strikes that threaten shipping and energy infrastructure.
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