On the tenth day of war in the Middle East, Donald Trump suggested on Monday, March 9, that operations against Iran could be coming to an end, despite Tehran continuing its missile and drone attacks in the Gulf. These statements from the American president led to a drop in oil prices, which had previously soared. Meanwhile, Israel continued its strikes against Iran. Franceinfo summarizes what you need to know from Monday, March 9.
Donald Trump says the war in Iran is “almost” over
The American president declared on Monday to a CBS journalist that the war was “almost” over. He argued that Tehran no longer had a navy, communications, or air force. Trump also stated that the conflict was “well ahead” of the schedule of four to five weeks he had previously mentioned. Oil prices, which had risen since the start of the war, decreased following Trump’s declaration.
“It will end soon, and if it resumes, they will be hit even harder,” he reiterated later at a press conference. Trump also mentioned that “over 5,000 targets have been hit” in ten days of war. He threatened to strike Iran “much harder” if the country’s authorities decided to block oil supplies in the region.
The American president said he would lift some oil sanctions “to reduce prices.” “We have sanctions on certain countries. We will lift these sanctions until things settle down. After that, who knows? Maybe we won’t have to put them back,” Trump added.
Israel announces launching a new wave of “large-scale” strikes against Tehran
Following Trump’s statements, Israel claimed new strikes in Iran. “For the second time today, the army has started a wave of large-scale strikes on Tehran,” the Israeli army announced on Monday evening, targeting “terrorist targets.”
Earlier in the day, Israel claimed to have launched a wave of strikes against six air bases in Iran that allegedly served to arm and finance allies of Tehran, such as the Lebanese Hezbollah or rebel Houthis in Yemen.
At the same time, Iran continued its bombings on Israeli territory, sending drones and missiles to the Gulf neighbors’ oil infrastructure. Strong explosions and sirens were heard in various parts of Doha, Qatar’s capital, on Monday. The Bahrain Ministry of Interior announced that an Iranian attack on a residential area in the capital, Manama, resulted in one death and several injuries.
The United States and Israel criticize the new Iranian supreme leader
After Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment as Iran’s new supreme leader, succeeding his father Ali Khamenei, Israel described him as a “tyrant who will maintain the brutality of the regime.” Israeli diplomats stated that “Mojtaba Khamenei’s hands are already stained with blood that marked his father’s reign.” Trump also expressed his displeasure, saying, “They made a big mistake.”
The situation remains critical in Lebanon, where over 400 people have died
Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah’s financial institution Al-Qard Al-Hassan in the southern suburbs of Beirut on Monday. The strikes in Lebanon have resulted in 486 deaths and 1,313 injuries since the conflict began a week ago, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. Hezbollah claimed to have launched “sophisticated missiles” at an Israeli military base in Ramla, near Tel Aviv.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun accused Hezbollah of wanting to cause the collapse of Lebanon on behalf of Iran during a video conference with European leaders. He called for “direct” negotiations with Israel to end the war. Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc leader, Mohamed Raad, vowed to continue fighting against Israel “at any cost.”
France continued “interceptions” to protect its partners, according to Emmanuel Macron
On Monday, Emmanuel Macron stated that France had conducted “interceptions” in recent days to protect partners affected by the Middle East war. Macron emphasized that American-Israeli bombings alone would not be enough to bring about a “profound regime change” in Iran. He also warned of a potential major stagflationary shock if the conflict in the Middle East continues.
G7 countries ready to tap into strategic oil reserves
G7 finance ministers discussed the possible utilization of strategic oil reserves on Monday to mitigate the rise in oil prices. French Finance Minister Roland Lescure mentioned that they are not yet utilizing the reserves. The European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis cautioned against a “major stagflationary shock” in case of a prolonged war in the Middle East. In France, diesel prices surpassed 2 euros per liter, with other fuel prices also on the rise.
