Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Americans that gasoline prices could rise further if Iran develops nuclear weapons. He also claimed that fuel prices would fall once the threat from Tehran’s government ends.

Netanyahu made the remarks in a nearly two-minute video posted on X on Sunday, October 18. The message came just nine days before Israel’s October 27 election.

His comments followed US President Donald Trump’s public endorsement of his re-election campaign.

Netanyahu Links Gas Prices to Iran’s Nuclear Threat

In the video, Netanyahu directly addressed Americans concerned about rising fuel costs. He warned that Iran obtaining nuclear weapons would create an even greater threat to the United States and Israel.

Netanyahu claimed that ending the threat from Iran’s government would eventually bring gasoline prices down. However, he argued that this would happen only under Trump’s leadership.

He also criticised political leaders who favour a less confrontational approach towards Tehran. His comments came as American households continued facing higher energy costs following months of conflict in the Middle East.

Trump Endorses Netanyahu Ahead of Israeli Election

The video was also Netanyahu’s response to Trump’s endorsement of his re-election campaign.

Trump described Netanyahu as a “Great Warrior Prime Minister” and praised his role in confronting Iran. Netanyahu thanked the US president and said he was honoured by the endorsement. He also described Trump as Israel’s greatest friend in the White House.

The exchange demonstrated the close political relationship between the two leaders as Israel prepares for its national election on October 27.

US Senator Criticises Netanyahu’s Message

Netanyahu’s comments drew criticism from Democratic Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii.

Schatz objected to the Israeli prime minister addressing Americans about gasoline prices while defending the war against Iran.

He described the message as “wildly disrespectful and super aggravating.” The criticism came amid growing concern about the financial impact of the conflict on American households.

Iran War Pushes Up American Energy Costs

The United States and Israel launched military attacks against Iran on February 28, 2026.

Iran’s subsequent restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz disrupted oil supplies and contributed to higher global energy prices.

The waterway is particularly important because roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes through it.

The average gasoline price in the United States reached approximately $4.34 per gallon. Moody’s Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi estimated that the conflict had cost the average American household nearly $2,000. Of that amount, approximately $1,100 came from higher energy prices.

The Pentagon also reportedly informed lawmakers in September that the war had cost the United States $45.1 billion.

Energy Prices Remain a Major Concern

Netanyahu’s suggestion that gasoline prices would fall after the Iranian threat ends remains a political claim rather than a guaranteed economic outcome.

Oil prices depend on several factors, including global production, shipping routes, supply disruptions and market demand.

Although reduced tensions in the Middle East could ease pressure on energy markets, the timing and extent of any price decline remain uncertain.

With Israel’s election approaching and American households facing higher fuel bills, Netanyahu’s remarks have connected the debate over Iran’s nuclear programme with the economic costs of the ongoing conflict.