Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee stated that a deterioration in consumer sentiment should not come as a surprise amid the Iran conflict. He noted, "This is often linked to the visible price of gasoline." As consumers face higher oil prices, the Federal Reserve monitors their long-term inflation expectations. If these expectations rise, they could become self-fulfilling. However, short-term inflation expectations are more susceptible to sudden energy shocks. Goolsbee emphasized, "This is an area we must watch closely, as the U.S. consumer has consistently been our strongest driver."