A man fuels up his vehicle at a gas station during a gas giveaway event in Chicago last month. More than 6 in 10 Americans say their household's finances have taken a hit from higher gas prices, according to a poll taken in May. | REUTERS

Officials of U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration are scrambling to contain the economic and political fallout of the war with Iran, three people familiar with the White House’s discussions said, as hopes for a quick resolution fade.

Trump this week backed suspending the federal gas tax, a step that would knock 18 cents a gallon off motor fuel prices currently averaging more than $4.50 a gallon nationwide.…