President Donald Trump claimed on Wednesday that the United States was “close to fulfilling” its goals in the war against Iran, but would continue to hit the country “extremely hard” for another two to three weeks.
In his first national address since the early hours of the conflict a little 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 obtaining a nuclear weapon.
However, the White House tenant emphasized that the end of the conflict had not yet arrived.
“We will hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks. We will bring them back to the stone age where they belong,” he declared.
Donald Trump also threatened once again to target Iranian energy infrastructure, stating that in the absence of an agreement, the United States would “hit each of their power plants very hard and probably simultaneously.”
The American president also called on countries dependent on the Strait of Hormuz to “deal” with resolving Iran’s blockade of this strategic maritime route for the distribution of hydrocarbons worldwide.
– “Maximalist” Demands –
In the morning, he had ruled out any ceasefire without the reopening of the strait, whose blockade destabilizes the global economy. Without lifting the blockade, Iran would be bombed “until annihilation,” he warned.
The almost-closure of this maritime passage has led to a surge in oil prices, fueling fears of lasting inflation.
The Revolutionary Guards, Iran’s ideological army, reiterated on Wednesday that the strait would remain closed to the country’s “enemies.”
In this context, London announced a virtual meeting on Thursday involving thirty countries ready to ensure security in the strait once hostilities end.
Prior to his address, Donald Trump assured on his Truth Social network that his Iranian counterpart, Massoud Pezeshkian, had demanded a “CEASEFIRE.”
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, dismissed these claims as “false,” denying direct negotiations with the United States and calling Washington’s demands “maximalist and irrational.”
Massoud Pezeshkian had mentioned on Tuesday a desire to “end” the war but listed requirements such as security guarantees and financial compensation.
– Brent Rises Again –
Fueled by hopes of de-escalation, European and Wall Street stock markets had closed higher on Wednesday before Trump’s speech.
However, after the address, the price of Brent crude oil, the global benchmark, rose again, surpassing $105.
The economic repercussions of the conflict continue to be felt worldwide.
In an interview with AFP, the World Bank’s managing director, Paschal Donohoe, expressed deep concern on Wednesday about the consequences of the war, particularly regarding inflation, jobs, and food security.
On Wednesday, countries in the Gulf were again targeted by Iranian attacks, such as in the UAE, where a Bangladeshi national was killed.
Similarly, in Israel, the army reported missile strikes from Iran overnight, following a day marked by other attacks that injured 14 near Tel Aviv.
In his address, Donald Trump promised not to abandon Gulf allies, specifically “Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain.”
– “Vengeance” –
On the Israeli side, the government believed that it had achieved part of its objectives by dealing “a blow” to Iranian nuclear and ballistic programs. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed that the “campaign is not over.”
In Lebanon, the toll of Israeli airstrikes over a month now exceeded 1,300 deaths, with seven reported dead in the Beirut region on Wednesday.
The pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement dragged Lebanon into the war on March 2 by attacking Israel to avenge the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at the start of the conflict on February 28.
Israel warned that it planned to occupy part of southern Lebanon once the war was over.
