WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tensions overseas continue to hit Americans at the pump.
Instability in the Middle East is disrupting global oil supply, and gas prices are climbing here at home once again — all while lawmakers are clashing this week over wider U.S. involvement abroad.
A critical global shipping lane remains at the center of growing economic and geopolitical pressure. The White House says President Donald Trump met with his national security team Monday to review an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The offer is reportedly contingent on the U.S. lifting its blockade of Iranian ports and vessels.
The proposal, however, leaves out Iran’s nuclear program — a major sticking point for the Trump administration.
“The president’s red-lines with respect to Iran have been made very, very clear, not just to the American public, but also to them as well,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday.
Ongoing disruption in the Strait continues to send shockwaves through global energy markets. Brent crude surged past $119 a barrel Wednesday afternoon, driven by fears of prolonged supply constraints and regional conflict.
But there may be some relief ahead — the United Arab Emirates has announced plans to exit OPEC, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. The move could potentially allow the UAE to increase production independently and ease supply shortages.
Still, gas prices at home are trending upward again after last week’s dip. According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of gas Wednesday jumped to $4.23 — the highest level in nearly four years, and up more than 20 cents in the past week alone.
Back in Washington, the international crisis is fueling a broader political fight.
Tuesday evening, the Senate narrowly rejected an effort to limit the president’s authority to take military action related to Cuba, as rhetoric between the U.S. and the island nation intensifies.
“We have learned the hard way in Afghanistan and now Iran that bombs don’t turn dictatorships into democracies,” said Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md. “Decisions of war and peace, whether it’s Iran or Cuba or anywhere else, must be made with the involvement of the representatives of the American people. That’s not just my sentiment, that is what is in the Constitution.”
Democrats pushing the measure say current U.S. actions, including what they describe as a de facto maritime blockade, are worsening humanitarian conditions in Cuba.
Ever since the capture of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro, President Trump has warned that Cuba could see similar military action.
“And very soon this great strength will also bring about a day, 70 years and waiting, it is called a new dawn for Cuba. We’re going to help them out with Cuba,” said Trump at a Turning Point USA event on April 17.
All of this comes as a looming May 1 deadline approaches. Under the War Powers Resolution, the president will have to either present a case that more time is needed to withdraw U.S. forces from the Middle East or seek congressional approval to continue the operation in Iran.
