As this article was being prepared, the IMF Director stated that even if the war were to end today, it would take at least three to four months to overcome its aftermath. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has entered a new round of statements, addressing questions from the public. The main focus remains on Iran, while oil prices exceeding $110 per barrel continue to cause concern across global markets.
Trump’s remarks on Iran
After indefinitely extending the ceasefire, Trump remarked that “Iran has a few days left,” though the issue now appears to be stretching from days to weeks. Each of Trump’s statements on Iran has quickly been contradicted by subsequent developments, reflecting his view of the situation as something of a game.
Asked what would constitute an Iranian breach of the ceasefire, Trump responded, “Iran knows what it needs to avoid.” Highlights from his ongoing statements at press time included the following points.
Key points from Trump’s statements
“No ship has passed through the Hormuz blockade. (When asked if weapons might soon be supplied to Iranians) I don’t want to comment on that. Iranians want to protest, but they don’t have weapons.
Xi has been very sincere about Iran. We have a good relationship with Xi. We do a lot of business with China. We’ll talk to Xi about Iran; he has handled the issue very thoughtfully and China hasn’t opposed us on Iran.
We offered China the chance to import oil tankers from the United States if they wish. If Iran refuses to make a deal, they’ll be wiped out quickly. Iran wants to make a deal.
Iran hasn’t fired on ships protected by the United States. I don’t like being contradicted. They’re playing games, but they want an agreement.
We don’t want to go there and kill people. The Liberty Project will significantly impact gasoline prices. The situation in Hormuz is pushing countries to buy oil from the US. Rising fuel costs are a small price to pay.
(Countries changing their purchasing habits for US oil) Countries are changing their habits.”
Throughout his remarks, Trump emphasized his disapproval of being contradicted, suggesting that both sides are posturing in a complex negotiation. Nonetheless, he argued that Iran ultimately seeks a deal and does not want open conflict.
Trump also stressed cooperation with China, signaling continued dialogue with President Xi Jinping specifically regarding Iran. He noted that Beijing has so far not challenged the US stance, providing a rare point of agreement between the two major powers amid ongoing tensions elsewhere.
Another notable topic was Trump’s assertion that Iranians want to protest but lack the means to do so, implicitly referencing the government’s tight control and a lack of external support for potential dissent.
Trump’s comments on the “Liberty Project” focused on its potential to influence gasoline prices and energy markets globally. He indicated that the current instability in the Hormuz Strait is diverting international buyers toward US oil, as countries look for more reliable suppliers.
Rising oil prices above $110 per barrel, which Trump acknowledged, have become a pressing global economic concern. He minimized the impact, calling the added fuel costs “a small price to pay” for security and stability.
In closing, Trump remarked that countries are now altering their oil import habits, seeking greater energy security by turning to US-supplied petroleum instead of traditional sources threatened by conflict and instability in the Middle East.
