• Source:JND
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US-Iran War: Since the US-Israel war against Iran began on February 28, American President Donald Trump has been inconsistent on his stand over armed conflict in the Middle East, which created global energy havoc. He showed many flip-flops over the fate of the ongoing war, creating trouble for billions of people, especially in the South Asian countries, which largely depend on the Gulf nations for their fuel needs.

Until yesterday, Trump was adamant that the war would end only after Iran signed a deal, accepting US' conditions, including opening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for the global fuel supply. Now, throwing another twist, the US President said the United States could end its military attacks on Iran within two to three weeks, and Tehran did not have to make a deal as a prerequisite for the conflict to wind down.

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The remarks underscored the shifting and at times contradictory statements from Washington about how the war, now in its fifth week, might end.

"We'll be leaving very soon," Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday, saying the exit could take place "within two weeks, maybe two weeks, maybe three."

What Is Iran's Stand On Ending War?

On the other side, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said he has been receiving direct messages from US special envoy Steve Witkoff, but they do not constitute "negotiations", Qatar's Al Jazeera TV cited him as saying. The messages include threats or exchanged views delivered through "friends," he added. Iran sought security from future attacks before ending the conflict.

Is Trump Serious About Winding Up?

Trump's statement cannot be trusted. He changes his statement frequently. The fresh statement on ending the conflict could be his strategy to buy time to reboot his war strategy or manipulate the market.

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Market Matters For Trump

No one understands the market and its impact on people better than Trump himself. The oil market has been facing turbulence due to the Middle East crisis. His statement could be a move to control fuel prices, which rose to over USD 100 per barrel. Last time on March 11, Trump made a similar statement just hours before the opening of the stock market, hinting that the war was about to end. “The war is going great. We are way ahead of the timetable. Any time I want it to end, it will end,” he claimed. Trump said there was nothing left in a military sense. Later, it came out as a strategy to manipulate oil prices. He frequently showed a soft approach as oil prices were spiking and stock markets were under pressure due to fears of prolonged conflict and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump's Carrot And Stick Approach

Trump adopted the carrot and stick' approach. He used threats and deals to end the conflict. On one hand, he sent additional troops, claiming a ground invasion is possible to capture Iran's Kharg Island, Tehran's key oil reserve, and on the other hand, Trump claimed that he is ready to end the war without a deal. This shows that there is something new going on in his mind, as unpredictability is his core strategy.

ALSO READ: 'Go Get Your Own Oil': Trump Targets Nations Skipping Iran War Amid Strait Of Hormuz Blockade

Trump May Go For Ground Battle

The fresh statement could be a 'time buying strategy' as the Trump administration hinted that it is planning to push for more military buildup near Iran. The aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush, along with three destroyers, is slated to go to West Asia. The carrier strike group consists of more than 6,000 sailors. A US Navy ship carrying about 2,500 Marines recently arrived in the conflict region. The military buildup indicates that Trump may go for a long-term invasion. However, the US's past experience in Afghanistan stops Trump. Trump kept saying that under his rule, the US will not fight others' wars.

Exit Desperation

The ongoing war is damaging Trump's image in domestic politics. His rating has been falling since the commencement of the war. A fresh survey by the Marist Poll shows Trump’s approval rating has dropped to minus 17, the lowest of his second term and the weakest recorded for any US president in office.


The inconsistency in Trump's stand shows his frustration, and now he wants a face-saving exit as there is no clarity on how much war objectives have been achieved in an over-month-long war.

 


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