Credited from: AA
US President Donald Trump has suggested that military operations against Iran could end "pretty quickly," characterizing the ongoing conflict as a "short-term excursion." He emphasized the effectiveness of the US military, stating, "I think soon. Very soon," during a news conference in Florida. Trump reassured that the US-Israeli collaboration has made substantial progress, with reports indicating over 5,000 military targets attacked since operations began on February 28, marking the death of Iran's former supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to aa, indiatimes, and lemonde.
Trump's statements have contributed to fluctuations in global markets, notably a spike in oil prices reflecting concerns over supply disruptions potentially tied to the conflict. The U.S. president warned that if Iran makes moves seen as provocative, they would face an intensified military response, highlighting the geopolitical implications of the conflict, especially regarding oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz, as noted by dawn, channelnewsasia, and aljazeera.
The military actions led by the US and Israel have reportedly resulted in significant damage to Iran's military assets, including the destruction of naval ships and missile capabilities, with Trump stating that "everything they have is gone, including their leadership." This rhetoric aims to reinforce a narrative of military success while simultaneously pursuing a controversial approach where the call for "ultimate victory" over Iran remains prominent, as emphasized by indiatimes and aljazeera.
Despite the aggressive stance, political analysts are questioning the sustainability of Trump's claims concerning the swift end to the conflict, especially as opposition factions within Iran, spurred by the appointment of a new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, may influence the continuation of hostilities. This internal dynamic adds complexity to an already volatile situation in the region, according to dawn, aljazeera, and channelnewsasia.