A Republican US senator has faced sharp criticism after telling Americans frustrated by rising petrol prices to simply "stand the pain," amid the fallout from President Trump's bombing campaign against Iran. The remark drew immediate backlash for appearing dismissive of the financial strain ordinary Americans are facing as the conflict pushes fuel costs higher, with critics accusing the senator of being out of touch with everyday economic pressures.

The senator's most striking line, "you gotta kill a few chickens to scare the monkey," was widely mocked and shared online as evidence of a tone-deaf response to public concern. The comments come as tensions in the Middle East escalate, with reports of an oil tanker explosion in the Strait of Hormuz after colliding with a mine, and President Trump reportedly pausing further strikes on Iran to allow room for diplomatic talks.