These rising prices aren't, strictly speaking, caused by Iran. Their blockade causes the markets to panic, which in turn let's oil companies jack up the price because they'll sell regardless. In truth, the us and their allies have plenty of reserves to last years. And even so: that strait only counts for 20% of the total. US oil doesn't pass there, so it's in theory not hard to bring down process.
Practice is different, as companies are more powerful than the government, so that might involve diplomacy... Somehow.
Did he really ask? I read his usual threatening, implying harm, twisting truth (yes, he actually said that "the us were there for nato when they needed them") and completely being oblivious of his earlier stance. But asking?
