President Donald Trump has declared that his country will “finish the job” in Iran, as “fundamental strategic objectives are nearing completion,” in his first national address to defend the war since the conflict began at the end of February.
At the same time, he claimed that Iran would continue to face a barrage of short-term attacks.
“We will hit them very hard over the next two or three weeks,” Trump said. “We will bring them back to the Stone Age, where they should be.”
This speech comes as Trump faces a decline in his popularity ratings, economic concerns, and worsening diplomatic fallout from the war.
Trump took this opportunity to reassure Americans weary of the conflict by asserting that the offensive was worth it. However, much of his 20-minute speech largely reiterated elements put forth in recent weeks without providing many new details.
It is unlikely that this speech will sway public opinion, as surveys indicate a significant portion of Americans believe the military has gone too far in Iran, while gas and oil prices remain high.
Global financial markets reacted quickly, with oil prices rising by more than 4% and Asian stocks declining after Trump’s statements about the U.S. continuing their intensive strikes against Iran.
Trump did not mention the possibility of deploying U.S. troops on the ground in Iran, nor did he discuss NATO, the transatlantic alliance that he has criticized for its insufficient role in securing the Strait of Hormuz, where an Iranian blockade has driven up energy prices.
He also did not address any potential negotiations with Tehran or mention the April 6 deadline for reopening the waterway, under threat of severe American retaliation.
Context: President Trump’s national address regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran has stirred up various reactions both domestically and internationally.
Fact Check: The statements made by President Trump regarding the situation in Iran and the military actions taken by the U.S. have caused fluctuations in global financial markets and raised concerns among the public.
