Full Breakdown
Trump Ignores US Financial Concerns in Iran Deal
5/13/2026, 1:11:48 AM
Official Statements
President Donald Trump told reporters that “Not even a little bit” of Americans’ financial situation influences his Iran policy. He said the only goal is stopping Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, dismissed inflation as “short-term,” claimed it is lower than under the previous, suggested cutting the federal gas tax, called Iran’s latest peace offer “unacceptable,” described the cease-fire as “on life support,” and said naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is “very effective.”
War Background
U.S. and Israeli strikes in late February 2026 prompted Iran to block the Strait of Hormuz, a route for roughly 20 % of daily global oil shipments. The blockade raised U.S. regular gasoline to $4.50 per gallon and diesel to $5.64 per gallon. Energy prices rose 3.8 % in April, driving consumer-price index up 3.8 % year-over-year and 0.6 % month-over-month, leaving inflation at 3.8 %, highest in nearly three years. Operation Epic Fury’s cost is $29 billion, $4 billion above earlier estimates.
Public Sentiment
A CNN/SSRS poll (April 30–May 4) found 70 % disapproval of Trump’s economic handling; an NBC News Decision Desk poll later showed two-thirds disapproved of his management of inflation and the Iran conflict. An ACNN poll reported 77 % said his policies raised living costs and 75 % said the war hurt personal finances. Democratic leaders and commentators criticized his dismissal of domestic economic pain, arguing it erodes public confidence.
Conflicting Reports
Gasoline and diesel price figures ($4.50 and $5.64) and the 3.8 % inflation rate are consistent across sources. Iran’s counter-offer is described only by its demands for sanctions relief, asset unfreeze, and sovereignty over the Strait; the full text is unavailable. The impact of eliminating the federal gas tax has not been assessed by independent analysts.
Verbatim Quotes
1. “Not even a little bit.” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
2. “The only thing that matters when I’m talking about Iran — they can’t have a nuclear weapon. I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation. I don’t think about anybody. I think about one thing — we cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon. That’s all.” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
3. “Our inflation is short-term … My [economic] policies are working incredibly.” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
4. “Trump called Iran’s counter-offer unacceptable and a “piece of garbage”, and said it was so bad he did not even finish reading the document.” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
Outlook
Trump will meet Xi Jinping in Beijing while indirect talks with Iranian officials continue. Iran seeks sanctions relief, asset unfreeze, and recognition of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz; the United States insists on nuclear commitments before any concessions. The cease-fire remains “on life support,” and further diplomatic moves are expected in the coming weeks.
