U.S. President Donald Trump called on April 1 for other countries to show “courage” and take control of the Strait of Hormuz, which has been closed by Iran following a war initiated by the United States.
The situation in the region has led to increased global oil prices and concerns about stability in the Middle East. The closure of the strait, a key waterway for oil shipments, has raised international attention as Trump urged nations to “protect it and use it for their objectives.”
Trump said that U.S. objectives in Iran are “almost fulfilled” after what he described as a series of “quick, decisive, and overwhelming victories.” He warned that the U.S. would strike Iran with “extreme force” over the next two to three weeks: “They will return to the Stone Age, where they belong. Regime change was never our goal, but regime change has occurred; since the original leaders are already dead. The new group is much less radical and less reasonable,” Trump said during his address.
He acknowledged that no agreements have yet been reached with Iran but stated he would continue working towards them: “If we do not reach this agreement we will destroy all their power plants. We have not yet attacked their oil resources, although it is the easiest target because that would remove their ability to rebuild their country. If necessary we will do so. They have no defenses; we are unstoppable.”
Trump also said that despite ongoing conflict and rising oil prices worldwide, he believes America’s economy is stronger now than two weeks ago.
Addressing concerns about allies in the region who have faced Iranian retaliation after strikes from U.S. and Israeli forces, Trump promised continued support: “I want to thank our allies in the Middle East: Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain. They have been formidable and under no circumstances will we allow them to suffer any harm or failure.”
In addition to discussing military actions in his speech from the White House, Trump congratulated NASA’s Artemis II mission team following its historic lunar launch: “Let me begin by congratulating NASA’s team and our brave astronauts on Artemis II’s successful launch.”
The ongoing conflict around Iran’s actions at sea continues to be closely watched by governments worldwide due to its impact on energy markets and regional security.
