President Donald Trump held a rare Monday afternoon press briefing, his first public remarks since the war with Iran and Israel entered its sixth week. The conflict began after U.S. and allied strikes prompted Iranian retaliation that shut the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil chokepoint through which about 20\u202f% of the world\u2019s petroleum flows.<\/p>\n
Trump opened by repeating that he expects the conflict to end \u201cshortly,\u201d a claim he first made in a national address last week. He defended U.S. actions and criticized foreign leaders without naming specific nations. He also said the task of reopening the strait was not solely an American responsibility.<\/p>\n
The Strait\u2019s closure has had real economic fallout. Gas prices in the U.S. climbed close to $4\u202fper gallon last week, a major concern for voters as midterm elections approach.<\/p>\n
In statements over the weekend, Trump issued a dramatic ultimatum to Tehran. He said the U.S. would launch \u201cpower plant day and bridge day\u201d strikes \u2013 a reference to targeting key civilian infrastructure, unless Iran reopened the strait by Tuesday evening.
The president used highly charged language on social media, warning Iran it would be \u201cliving in Hell\u201d if it did not comply.<\/p>\n
Diplomats and military analysts say this is one of the toughest threats Trump has made so far in the war. Iran has not backed down, and the standoff remains unresolved as the deadline nears.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, negotiations have continued behind the scenes. A 45\u2011day ceasefire proposal was presented to both sides on Sunday, and Trump called it a \u201csignificant step\u201d toward peace. But Iran rejected the plan, demanding more than a temporary halt and insisting on broader terms, including economic compensation and security guarantees.<\/p>\n
Public opinion appears to be turning against Trump\u2019s strategy. Recent polling indicates that a majority of Americans want the war to end quickly, even if U.S. goals are not fully achieved.<\/p>\n
Domestic support for the president has softened, especially among his own base. A CNN\u2011linked poll last week showed that the percentage of Republicans who \u201cstrongly approve\u201d of Trump\u2019s performance dropped from 52\u202f% in January to 43\u202f% currently. Economic issues like rising fuel costs are top concerns for voters.<\/p>\n
Internationally, reactions to the conflict are tense as well. The Kremlin warned that the entire Middle East is \u201con fire,\u201d underscoring how the war\u2019s impacts extend far beyond Iran\u2019s borders.<\/p>\n
Trump has previously projected optimistic timelines, saying he expected the war to last about six weeks. With that mark now reached, there is still no clear end in sight. Goals such as dismantling Iran\u2019s uranium stockpile remain uncertain, and Trump has even suggested that even if a ceasefire is reached, the U.S. could strike again later if Iran pursues nuclear capabilities.<\/p>\n
Military actions continue alongside diplomatic efforts. U.S. and allied forces are engaged in strikes across the region, and Iran has responded with missile attacks and threats of broader retaliation.<\/p>\n
Despite Trump\u2019s public eagerness to declare progress, analysts note the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz and absence of a comprehensive peace agreement make it unclear how or when the conflict will truly end.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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