Trump Claims Iran’s Strikes Will Be Brief, Affirms Control Over Hormuz

US President Donald Trump stated that the renewed military actions against Iran are likely to be brief, emphasizing his assertion that Washington has control over the Strait of Hormuz. This comes after a surge in fighting that has raised energy prices and revived concerns of a prolonged conflict.

When asked on Wednesday about the potential duration of the bombing campaign, Trump responded to reporters, “I don’t think too long.”

On Tuesday night, the US military conducted a second round of strikes within three days, targeting radar installations and mine-laying capabilities along Iran’s southern coast. In retaliation, Iran launched drone and missile attacks on US bases throughout the Middle East, following a familiar pattern used during the six-month conflict.

There were no reports of US strikes on Iran on Wednesday night.

“We took out all of the new equipment they attempted to set up along the Strait of Hormuz — some defensive, some offensive,” Trump stated regarding the earlier strikes. “It was a very heavy attack last night, and we’re prepared to conduct another one whenever we choose.”

Following Trump’s remarks, Brent crude prices declined. On Thursday morning, it was down 0.3% to $95.34 a barrel. Despite this drop, the benchmark saw an increase of approximately 7% this week and 57% this year, raising worries about the economic repercussions as winter approaches in the Northern Hemisphere.

Refined fuels have seen an even steeper rise, with American diesel pump prices nearing a four-year peak. The surge in energy prices has played a role in the recent downturn in global bond markets.

However, there are numerous indications that the conflict could extend for several months. According to the Wall Street Journal, the US is prolonging troop deployments in the Middle East to maintain a presence of 50,000 personnel, allowing Trump greater flexibility on military decisions.

Kuwait’s military reported early Thursday that its air defenses were engaged in response to missile and drone threats. As a US security ally that hosts American forces, Kuwait has frequently faced Iranian counter-attacks.

Wedding Strike

This week marked the first clashes between the US and Iran in about a month, highlighting the escalating tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran continuing to attack energy tankers and other vessels navigating through without its authorization.

On Tuesday evening, the US launched strikes targeting approximately 100 sites in Iran.

Tehran accused the US of striking a wedding ceremony in the southern coastal city of Sirik, with the Iranian Red Crescent Society reporting at least four deaths and around 67 injuries. This organization had initially reported five fatalities, suggesting the numbers could rise.

“The US military does not target civilians,” stated US Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for US Central Command overseeing American forces in the region.

Iranian officials compared this incident to an attack on an elementary school in the city of Minab during the early conflict days, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 120 children and is currently under investigation by the US military.

“This cruelty is part of a series of atrocities that have transpired, starting with Minab,” posted Esmail Baghaei, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman on X. “Iran will respond decisively to these barbaric acts.”

During the recent month-long cessation of hostilities, oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz rose to about half of prewar levels. This increase may now be jeopardized, impacting the supplies of oil, gas, and other commodities.

“The fighting continues indefinitely, with no end or victor in sight,” warned Bloomberg economists, including Dina Esfandiary, in a note on Wednesday, cautioning that surging oil prices are straining the global economy.

Iran’s foreign ministry urged regional nations to cease allowing the US to utilize their facilities and territories for military strikes.

Both the US and Iran have shown no inclination to return to negotiations since the collapse of an interim peace agreement reached in June, known as a memorandum of understanding.

This week, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested that Iran’s leaders are “panicked” due to their country’s economic challenges and anticipated that they would eventually be open to negotiations.

However, Iran’s trading partners have largely dismissed his threats of an “economic onslaught.”

A US naval blockade on Iranian ports is, nonetheless, constraining Iranian energy exports and adversely affecting the Islamic Republic’s economy. The country is facing inflation rates around 80%, a significant depreciation of its currency this year, and soaring unemployment.

Conflict is escalating beyond Iranian borders. Israel has reportedly conducted multiple airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon during the week, while Hamas has warned that the fragile ceasefire in Gaza is at risk following an Israeli operation on Tuesday aimed at capturing a high-ranking militant.

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