TRUMP SUGGESTS US MILITARY ACTION IN IRAN “VERY COMPLETE” AMID ESCALATING MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT
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Agency Report
President Donald Trump on Monday indicated for the first time that US military operations in Iran could be approaching an end, describing the war as “very complete” and ahead of schedule.
Trump made the remarks in a phone interview with CBS News, citing the destruction of Iran’s navy, air force, and communications capabilities. He claimed the United States is “very far” ahead of his initially projected four- to five-week timeframe for the conflict.
The announcement coincided with continued hostilities in the region. Tehran, under newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, launched fresh missile attacks on Gulf neighbours, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, and Israel. NATO-member Turkey also intercepted a missile, marking the second such incident in five days.
The escalation has had immediate global economic impacts. With the Strait of Hormuz largely blocked, benchmark crude oil prices surged past $100 per barrel—the highest levels since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022—before slightly easing. French President Emmanuel Macron said France and its allies are planning a “purely defensive” mission to reopen the strait, though experts warn it could expose naval vessels to Iranian fire.
Iranian state media showed large crowds in Tehran celebrating Khamenei’s selection, with allied groups such as Yemen’s Houthis and Lebanon’s Hezbollah pledging loyalty. Russia also expressed support, with unconfirmed reports indicating Moscow may be supplying targeting intelligence to Iran’s forces.
Experts describe the new supreme leader as a hardliner. Ali Ansari, a professor of Iranian history, said Khamenei “has been involved in all the most violent repressions over the last 15-16 years.” Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group suggested the appointment signals defiance against US military action.
Global markets reacted with volatility: stock markets initially plunged while oil surged. US markets later gained after Trump’s remarks, despite no detailed plan for conflict resolution. Inflation risks from oil price shocks have prompted some countries, including Hungary and Croatia, to cap fuel prices, while fuel queues have appeared in countries as far as Vietnam and the Philippines.
The ongoing conflict has caused significant casualties and disruption across the region. In Israel, missile attacks led to at least one death in Tel Aviv. In Lebanon, the conflict has intensified clashes with Hezbollah, resulting in at least 486 deaths and 1,313 injuries since March 2. Saudi authorities reported foiled drone attacks on oil facilities, while Bahrain’s oil infrastructure suffered fire damage, prompting a “force majeure” declaration.
Trump is scheduled to hold a press conference at 5:30 pm (2130 GMT) at his Doral golf club in Miami to provide further updates on the situation.
This escalating crisis underscores continued geopolitical instability in the Middle East, with global energy markets, regional security, and civilian populations under mounting pressure.
AFP
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