Month: April 2026

Gasoline prices across the United States climbed above $4 per gallon on Tuesday for the first time in nearly four years, driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East and major disruptions to global oil supply.

According to AAA, the national average reached about $4.01 per gallon, with premium fuel averaging $4.90 and diesel rising to $5.45. Prices have jumped more than 30% since late February, when the U.S. and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran, triggering a broader conflict.

Despite being a net exporter of oil, the U.S. is not insulated from rising costs because fuel prices are tied to global markets (crude oil alone accounts for more than half of what consumers pay at the pump.) At the center of the issue is the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor that typically handles about one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments. Iran’s response—including restrictions and intermittent closures of the route—has sharply reduced supply, sending shockwaves through global energy markets.

Oil prices have reacted swiftly — Benchmark Brent crude oil surged to around $115 per barrel Tuesday, up from roughly $70 before the war, while U.S.-produced West Texas Intermediate climbed to about $104. Analysts warn that continued instability could push prices even higher.

The International Energy Agency described the issue as “the largest supply chain disruption in the history of the global oil market,” with its director cautioning that the situation poses a “major, major threat” to the global economy. In response, member nations have announced a historic release of 400 million barrels from strategic reserves to ease supply pressure.

Meanwhile, the conflict shows little sign of easing. President Trump has claimed ongoing negotiations with Iran, though Tehran has disputed that characterization. He has also threatened further strikes, including on Iran’s energy infrastructure, if a deal is not reached “shortly.”

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King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set to travel to Washington, D.C., from April 27 to 30 for an official state visit, marking a major moment in U.S.-U.K. relations as America approaches its 250th anniversary of independence. The trip, confirmed by Buckingham Palace, comes at the invitation of President Trump.

In a statement shared on social media, Trump said, “Melania and I are pleased to announce that Their Majesties, the King and Queen of the United Kingdom, will visit the United States for a Historic State Visit from April 27-30th, which will include a beautiful Banquet Dinner at the White House on the evening of April 28th.”

According to the palace, “On advice of His Majesty’s Government, and at the invitation of The President of the United States, The King and Queen will undertake a State Visit to the United States of America. Their Majesties’ programme will celebrate the historic connections and the modern bilateral relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States, marking the 250th anniversary of American Independence.”

The visit follows Trump’s own trip to the U.K. last September, which featured a formal state banquet at Windsor Castle attended by senior members of the royal family. These high-profile exchanges are designed to reinforce diplomatic ties, particularly during challenging global moments.

This will be Charles’s first official visit to the U.S. as king, though he has traveled there 19 times previously. In contrast, Queen Elizabeth II made four state visits during her reign, with the most recent taking place in 2007. While in Washington, Charles is expected to take part in commemorative events and may address Congress. Afterward, he will continue on to Bermuda—his first visit to the British overseas territory as monarch.

The trip comes against a complicated political backdrop, including tensions surrounding the Iran conflict and ongoing diplomatic differences between Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Despite these strains, the visit is intended to highlight enduring ties between the two nations.

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