Trump says Americans should expect to pay higher gas prices 'for a little while'

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump told reporters on Thursday that Americans should expect to pay higher gas prices "for a little while."

* Energy prices have risen around the world since the start of the Iran war in late February.

* Trump was asked if Americans "should anticipate spending more on gasoline for the foreseeable future."

* "For a little while," Trump responded.

* The US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. Iran responded with its own strikes on Israel and Gulf states with US bases. US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed thousands and displaced millions.

* A fragile ceasefire in the Iran war began over two weeks ago.

* The rise in gas prices caused by the war has created a dilemma for Trump's Republican Party, which currently holds a majority in both chambers of Congress, ahead of November's midterm elections.

* Trump has said gas prices may stay high until November but has sought to brush off concerns.

* The Iran war has brought traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, close to a standstill.