United States President, Donald Trump, on Monday hinted that the ongoing military campaign against Iran could soon wind down, describing the operation as largely accomplished and progressing faster than initially expected.
Speaking during a phone interview with CBS News, Trump said American forces had significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities.
According to him, Iran’s naval, communication and air force structures had been largely dismantled. The president also stated that the United States was ahead of the four- to five-week timeline he had earlier projected for the operation.
“I think the war is very complete, pretty much,” Trump said, adding that the country had lost much of its military strength.
The president is expected to address the media later at his golf resort in Florida.
Despite the optimistic remarks, tensions remain high across the Middle East. Iran, now led by newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, launched a new wave of missile and drone attacks targeting several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Israel.
A missile was also fired toward Turkey, a member of NATO, though it was intercepted by the alliance’s defence systems.
The conflict has shaken global markets. Oil prices surged above $100 per barrel on Monday, the highest level since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, largely due to the continued closure of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Nearly 20 per cent of the world’s crude oil normally passes through the waterway.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Macron revealed that France and its allies are considering a defensive naval mission aimed at reopening the strait and protecting commercial ships once the most intense phase of the conflict subsides.
Iranian officials, however, suggested the economic consequences of the crisis could push other nations to intervene diplomatically to end the war.
Since the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, global oil prices have risen by about 40 to 50 per cent, while stock markets have experienced sharp declines.
Fuel shortages and long queues at petrol stations have also been reported in several countries, including Vietnam and the Philippines, as governments brace for rising energy costs.
In Tehran, large crowds gathered to celebrate the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new supreme leader, following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei.
Iran’s regional allies, including the Houthi movement in Yemen and the Lebanese group Hezbollah, pledged their support for the new leader. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin assured Iran of continued backing.
The conflict has also intensified in Israel and Lebanon, where cross-border attacks between Israeli forces and Hezbollah have escalated.
Authorities in Lebanon reported that Israeli strikes since early March have killed at least 486 people and injured more than 1,300 others. Meanwhile, explosions were heard in Tel Aviv after Israeli defence systems intercepted missiles fired from Iran.
Global energy traders and policymakers continue to monitor developments closely, as the safety of shipping routes and oil facilities in the Gulf remains critical to the stability of the world economy.
