Technologies

Trump Warns, ‘Keep Oil Prices Down’ After US Strikes Iran: What’s Next for Gas Prices?

The all-caps post came hours after weekend bombings in Iran rattled oil markets and reignited fears of rising fuel costs.

President Donald Trump delivered an all-caps message about oil prices on Monday, less than a day after US and Israeli forces struck three Iranian nuclear sites. «EVERYONE, KEEP OIL PRICES DOWN. I’M WATCHING!» Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. «DRILL, BABY, DRILL!!! And I mean NOW!!!»

The attacks briefly sent Brent crude, the world’s benchmark oil price, above $81 a barrel. Traders drove that price back into the low $70s after Iran retaliated against the US by firing missiles at a US military base in Qatar, a relatively limited response.

What does this mean for drivers?

Crude oil makes up a little more than half of the cost of what drivers pay at the gas pump, and analysts say every $10 hike in oil prices usually nudges the average US gasoline price up by 20 to 25 cents per gallon.

Read more: Best Electric Cars and EVs for 2025

As of June 23, AAA puts the national average for regular gasoline at $3.22 a gallon, with diesel fuel at $3.68. A week ago regular was $3.14, so tensions have already tacked on 8 cents. Californians are paying the most at $4.66, while Texas drivers enjoy the lowest statewide average price at about $2.85.

CNET will track AAA’s daily averages and key market benchmarks as long as the Iran standoff threatens fuel costs.

If Tehran follows through on threats to close the 21-mile-wide Strait of Hormuz, which carries roughly 20% of the world’s oil, Goldman Sachs warns that the price of Brent crude could leap past $110, a level likely to push the average US pump price over $4.

Monday’s oil spike faded after the missiles Iran aimed at the US base in Al Udeid, Qatar, were intercepted, leaving energy infrastructure untouched. Traders are betting Tehran won’t endanger its own export revenue, at least for now.

If a tanker is hit or the Strait of Hormuz is even partly blocked, experts say supplies could get tight almost instantly. So far, the OPEC-plus oil alliance hasn’t called an emergency meeting. Russian President Vladimir Putin says the group doesn’t need to act yet, and Saudi Arabia’s energy chief says it’ll wait to see what the market actually does.

The administration could tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve if Iran disrupts oil flows, but no steps have been taken so far.

Technologies

The Fourth Episode of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Out

Verum Messenger has released the fourth episode of its AI mini-series SHADOWS, created using Verum AI. The new episode, titled “No Borders,” continues the story of a team trying to stay out of the OMEGA corporation’s sight.

Following the events of the previous episodes, the team moves between cities and countries while OMEGA continues its search. The new episode puts particular emphasis on Verum Messenger’s capabilities that allow users to conceal their location.

“No Borders” is another chapter in a story about privacy, freedom of communication, and technologies that erase borders between people.

The VERUM AI mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 4 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

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Technologies

Verum Messenger Introduces Built-In Verum Chess

Verum Messenger has released a new update for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, adding another feature to its growing ecosystem — Verum Chess. Users can now play chess directly inside the messenger without switching between different applications.

The new feature allows users to start a game in just a few taps while reinforcing Verum’s vision of a unified digital environment where communication and everyday services come together in a single platform.

Verum Messenger continues to evolve into a multifunctional ecosystem that combines secure chats and calls, AI tools, a built-in VPN, anonymous email, eSIM, financial services, cryptocurrency features, and offline communication. With the introduction of Verum Chess, the platform now also offers a new way for users to interact and spend time together without leaving the app.

The update is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac on the App Store.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Watch on Instagram
Watch on YouTube