U.S. Gas Prices Surge Past $4.50 Amid Iran Conflict and Strait of Hormuz Blockade National gas prices in the U.S. have reached their highest levels since July 2022, driven by the Iran war and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has led to a significant increase in oil prices, impacting fuel costs across the country. Despite U.S. efforts to reopen the critical shipping lane, Iran remains defiant, prolonging the crisis. National average gas prices in the U.S. surged past $4.50 per gallon for the first time since July 2022, reaching $4.536 on Wednesday, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). This marks a 5¢ increase from Tuesday's average of $4.483. The rise in fuel costs has been particularly pronounced in California, where drivers are paying the highest price at $6.160 per gallon, while Oklahoma has the lowest average at $3.962 per gallon. Both states have seen significant price hikes compared to a month or a year earlier.The escalation in gas prices began after the U.S. and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on February 28, disrupting global oil supply routes. Prior to the conflict, gas prices had been steadily declining, with the nationwide average dropping to $2.98 on February 26. The Iran war has severely impacted the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane responsible for transporting one-fifth of the world's oil.Although the U.S. is the largest oil producer and net exporter of gasoline, it remains vulnerable to global price fluctuations. Gas station owners, who set prices based on oil costs, are now facing higher expenses, with oil prices accounting for about 51 percent of the gas price per gallon in 2026, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Since the conflict began, oil prices have soared above $100 per barrel due to supply disruptions and investor concerns.Experts predict that U.S. gas prices will not decrease until safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is restored. However, efforts by the Trump administration to reopen the channel have been unsuccessful. President Donald Trump imposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz last month to pressure Iran economically, but Iran has refused to comply. The U.S. briefly launched 'Project Freedom' to escort commercial ships through the strait but halted it after just one day.As the standoff between Washington and Tehran continues, public opinion in the U.S. is turning against the conflict, with growing disapproval among Americans