In an address on Wednesday, President Donald Trump stated that the United States was “close to fulfilling” its objectives in the war against Iran, but would continue to strike the country “extremely hard” for another two to three weeks.
During his first national address since the early hours of the conflict over a month ago, the American president praised “decisive” and “overwhelming” victories achieved by the United States, reiterating that the strikes were necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Despite this, Trump emphasized that the end of the conflict was not yet in sight. He warned that they would continue to strike extremely hard in the next few weeks, aiming to bring Iran back to the “stone age” to which he believes they belong.
Trump also threatened to target Iranian energy infrastructure, stating that without an agreement, the US would hit each of their power plants very hard, possibly simultaneously.
The President also urged countries relying on the Strait of Hormuz to address and resolve the blockade by Iran of this strategic maritime route for hydrocarbon distribution worldwide.
Earlier in the day, Trump had ruled out a ceasefire without the reopening of the strait, which has destabilized the global economy. He warned that if the blockade was not lifted, Iran would be bombed “into oblivion”.
The partial closure of this maritime passage has led to a surge in oil prices, fueling concerns about enduring inflation.
Amidst the escalating situation, London announced a virtual meeting involving around thirty countries to ensure security in the strait once hostilities cease.
Following Trump’s speech, the price of Brent crude oil, the global benchmark, rose above $105 again, indicating ongoing economic repercussions from the conflict worldwide.
As the conflict continued to escalate, Iran launched further attacks in the Gulf region, leading to casualties and tensions escalating in the region.
In response to the ongoing bombings, thousands of Iranians attended the funeral of a commander killed by an Israeli strike in Tehran, expressing a desire for vengeance.
The conflict has also spilled over to Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes have resulted in casualties, with the Lebanese government reporting over 1,300 deaths in a month of Israeli attacks.
The pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement dragged Lebanon into the war on March 2 by attacking Israel in retaliation for the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Israel has warned of plans to occupy part of southern Lebanon once the war is over.
