Iran has launched attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz since February 2026 to restrict transit and gain leverage over Washington during negotiations.

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The joint military campaign by the United States and Israel against Iran has been ongoing since February 2026

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the U.S. war on Iran, ongoing since February, has caused at least 3,400 deaths and 33,000 injuries

An October 2026 AP-NORC poll found that seven in ten American voters believe the government should prioritize ending the U.S. war on Iran, ongoing since February

A September 2026 Fox News poll found that six in ten Americans oppose military action against Iran that has continued since February, and more than 70 percent believe Donald Trump lacks an end plan

Average U.S. gas prices reached $4.26 per gallon on October 21, 2026, up almost $1.21 from the prior year following U.S. strikes on Iran and conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, according to AAA

U.S. officials stated that Iran increased attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz to raise global oil prices and pressure President Donald Trump before U.S. midterm elections.

The White House ordered U.S. Central Command to pause military strikes against Iranian anti-ship missile launchers and drone positions near the Strait of Hormuz to avoid escalation before U.S. midterm elections.

Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz have killed more than 20 civilian mariners since February 2026.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported that an oil tanker carrying over two million barrels of crude oil caught fire after striking a mine while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on October 17, 2026.

The United States launched a retaliatory naval blockade targeting Iran-linked shipping in April 2026 following an Iranian blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper stated that U.S. forces have helped escort and usher out more than one billion barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy Chief Adm. Ali Ozmai warned in October 2026 that any vessels turning off tracking systems while transiting the Strait of Hormuz would be considered hostile.

President Donald Trump's presidential approval rating stood at 38% in the Silver Bulletin polling average, affected by economic fatigue and the war with Iran.

Incumbent Republican Senator Jon Husted broke with President Donald Trump by stating that the war with Iran needs to end to lower gas prices.

Voter frustration over rising prices and the war in Iran made several 2026 U.S. Senate contests surprisingly competitive.

Blake Gendebien criticized Donald Trump's military actions in Iran, citing their impact on gas prices and lack of congressional approval.

Democratic challenger Janelle Stelson and Republican Representative Scott Perry participated in their single election debate covering the Iran war, healthcare, and the 2020 presidential election aftermath.

Rising diesel fuel prices and increased living costs facing American households have been driven in part by the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran

President Donald Trump ordered military strikes on Iran alongside Israel in February 2026, launching a war that triggered a surge in gasoline prices

Rising fuel prices and economic knock-on effects from the U.S.-Israel military conflict with Iran contributed to a steady decline in Donald Trump's public approval ratings