Trump: War with Iran will not last long and we will not use nuclear weapons
Former US President Donald Trump asserted in his latest remarks that any military confrontation or war with Iran would not last long, emphasizing that the United States would not need to use nuclear weapons to resolve the conflict. These statements come amidst escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with Trump sending firm messages to the leadership in Tehran, warning against military escalation and reaffirming his country's strategic superiority.
The roots of tension and the history of the US-Iranian conflict
The roots of the current tensions lie in a series of complex historical events between Washington and Tehran, culminating in the United States' withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018. Since then, the US administration has pursued a policy of "maximum pressure," which has included harsh economic sanctions targeting vital sectors. In this context, Trump, in a speech broadcast by Al Arabiya on its X platform, indicated that Iran's missiles have the capability to reach Europe and potentially the United States in the future, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon that would threaten the security of the Middle East and the world. He explained that Iran's new leaders are in a state of disarray and are concealing their identities for fear of being targeted, reflecting the internal chaos and ongoing power struggle within the regime.
The repercussions of a war with Iran on the global economy and the Strait of Hormuz
Any military confrontation or war with Iran far-reaching consequences extending beyond regional borders to affect the entire global economy. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most strategically important waterways, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes. Trump stated that the United States is capable of completely controlling the Strait of Hormuz, indicating that it would be reopened either through a comprehensive agreement or other decisive means. He added that economic sanctions would lead to a collapse in Iranian oil production due to storage problems and the denial of international trade. While acknowledging that gasoline prices in America might remain high for some time, he maintained that higher oil prices were still a far better option than allowing Iran to possess a nuclear arsenal, noting that the US financial markets remained strong despite global tensions.
Destroying military capabilities and efforts toward a permanent deal
On the military front, Trump revealed that US forces had successfully struck approximately 75% of the previously identified Iranian targets. He warned that if Tehran were to re-equip its forces during periods of relative calm, Washington would eliminate those renewed capabilities, including the fleet of small, fast attack craft it relies on in the Gulf. Despite the escalating rhetoric, Trump left the door open for diplomacy, explaining that he could reach a quick agreement now, but that he aspired to a lasting deal that would guarantee long-term stability. He indicated that the leadership in Tehran was currently disorganized due to the chaos created by US policies, which complicates the negotiation process. In closing, Trump mentioned that Iranian authorities had responded to his direct request not to execute eight female protesters, demonstrating the continued existence of indirect channels of influence.
