Credited from: ALJAZEERA
In a significant announcement, President Donald Trump stated that the United States may end its military operations in Iran "very soon," specifically pointing to a timeline of "within two weeks, maybe two weeks, maybe three." This declaration marks a notable shift in U.S. military strategy amidst ongoing conflicts that have deeply affected the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, disrupting global energy markets and resulting in heightened tensions in the region, according to Reuters and SCMP.
Trump emphasized that a deal with Iran is not a prerequisite for the U.S. to wind down its military campaign, stating, "Iran doesn't have to make a deal, no," during a press briefing. He clarified his intent to leave only when Iran is sufficiently weakened, ensuring it cannot develop nuclear weapons, which he argued is essential for ending the conflict on favorable terms for the U.S., according to Le Monde, Reuters, and India Times.
Moreover, Trump asserted that the U.S. will not assume responsibility for the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route, insisting that countries relying on the strait must "go get your own oil." This message of self-reliance for allies has sparked discussions about the capability and willingness of U.S. allies to manage naval security in the Gulf, especially as the conflict continues to intensify, according to Al Jazeera and Le Monde.
As petrol prices in the U.S. have surged past $4 per gallon due to the conflict's impact on global oil supplies, Trump faced increasing pressure domestically to address escalating fuel costs. Notably, he has rebuked various allies for not supporting military efforts against Iran robustly, indicating a broader frustration over international collaboration in managing the conflict's ramifications, according to Reuters and SCMP.