U.S. Vice President JD Vance has directly attributed high American gas prices to Iranian missile and drone attacks on commercial shipping. In recent remarks he noted that many Americans are asking why prices remain elevated and answered that it is because the Iranians continue to fire on vessels. Vance described the situation as fundamentally about Iran, tying domestic energy costs to the ongoing disruptions. The comments come amid sustained U.S.-Iran tensions that have intensified since early 2026.

The attacks have focused on routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint that carries roughly 20 percent of the world’s crude oil and has pushed benchmark prices above 90 dollars per barrel. Despite the strikes, oil continues to flow while prices stay unpredictable. Vance’s statements underscore a U.S. policy emphasis on energy security and the protection of critical shipping lanes. Questions remain about how long the elevated costs will persist and what further measures may be taken to stabilize the situation.