Global
Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and their ongoing economic and political ramifications, US President Donald Trump made new press statements on Friday addressing the trajectory of the current confrontation with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Trump emphasized during his remarks to journalists that the ongoing conflict will conclude very soon in one way or another, stressing that his country possesses the full capability and necessary resources to resolve this confrontation through various available options. In the context of presenting his military assessment, the US president claimed that Iranian military capabilities have been severely compromised, stating that Tehran no longer possesses an effective conventional army, naval or air forces, or air defense systems, while adding that the US administration has successfully prevented Iranian authorities from developing or acquiring nuclear weapons. On another front, Trump touched upon the economic sphere and global energy markets, forecasting a sharp decline in fuel prices in the near future, and pointing to the imposition of strict measures involving a complete naval blockade on the vital Strait of Hormuz, while prohibiting any maritime traffic related to Iran in either direction.
