President Trump repeatedly claims a deal with Iran is imminent while Tehran shows no willingness to negotiate, even as U.S. gas prices exceed $4.50 per gallon. Oil companies profit from the conflict but resist increasing production due to market uncertainty. Secretary of State Rubio meets Pope Leo to repair relations after Trump's public attacks on the pontiff's opposition to the war. Trump claims Iran is desperate to negotiate and a deal is close, but Iran has shown no agreement to his demands: opening the Strait of Hormuz, ceasing uranium enrichment, or renouncing nuclear weapons.