The escalation between the U.S. and Iran may be “very soon” and could include future targeted U.S. military strikes at least prior to November’s midterm elections, said U.S. President Donald Trump.
While speaking at the PGA Tour’s Presidents Cup on the sidelines of the tournament, Trump pointed to a drop in global oil prices as a sign of a resolution to the war. Preventing Iran from ever acquiring a nuclear weapon is the U.S. goal, he said.
Trump Leaves Door Open to New Strikes
Trump did not rule out further attacks on Iran before the mid-term elections, while asking but not answering whether the U.S. could do so.
Trump did not give details of what may lead to more military action, but he indicated that it was still a possibility. The remarks coincide with a tense standoff between Washington and Tehran, as the two sides work on finalizing a diplomatic settlement while at the same time mounting pressure.
The president has also time and time again linked the fighting with the oil market, stating that if the conflict would cease, oil would drop considerably in price.
Iran Warns It Is Ready for War
Responding to Araghchi was Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who announced that Tehran is ready for another confrontation with Washington. He singled out Iran for the ‘doomsday war’ that is forthwith, China does not seem the sort of ally for Iran to seek, while clarifying his government was not shutting off the diplomatic path.
Iran is ready to converse with the Quartet in conditions where it gets relief from economic sanctions and return of the Iranian’s frozen assets, Araghchi said. Diplomatic talks have also been outlined to re-open the Strait of Hormuz in Tehran.
Washington has rejected the offer, calling Iran’s requests not to seek sanctions relief and not to return the funds it seized be put ahead of “more comprehensive” negotiations on its nuclear programme.
Oil Prices Remain a Major Concern
The conflict has also put the global energy market under strain due to the disruptions in oil shipping through the Strait of Hormuz that is the world’s pivotal energy trading route.
Trump has caused one to wonder that if hostilities ended, prices would go down. But with the possibility of ongoing conflict or potential renewed attacks could reignite oil supply and shipping prices.
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Diplomacy Continues Alongside Military Pressure
U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments come after his recent speech at the United Nations General Assembly in which he threatened more action against Iran if there is no peace deal.
Meanwhile indirect talks between U.S. and Iranian officials have continued with the help of third-party mediators. As the second stage of the conflict in the deadlock between Moscow and Washington for the upcoming November presidential poll nears, both men and military are engaged in trying to win the race.
FAQs
What did Trump say about the Iran war?
Trump asserted that he thinks the U.S. could successfully beat Iran in the war in the near future, and predicted that oil prices would drop once the battle has been concluded.
Could the United States launch new strikes before the midterms?
Before the November midterm elections, Trump didn’t rule out further U.S. military action and asserted that such action was possible.
What is the significance of the Strait of Hormuz?
The Strait of Hormuz is an important energy shipping route in the world, meaning that disruptions can impact supplies of oil, costs for shipping and oil prices.
