"I will not allow a terrorist regime to hold the world hostage and attempt to stop the global oil supply. And if Iran does anything in that direction, they will be hit much, much harder." This is the warning issued by the American president. Donald Trump during a press conference in Florida. He was reacting to Tehran's threat to disrupt oil exports in the Gulf, a scenario that could trigger a global energy crisis.
A firm message on oil
Donald Trump's warning primarily targets the possibility that Iran could block or disrupt oil traffic in the region, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway for a large portion of the world's hydrocarbon trade. Such an interruption could cause energy prices to surge and destabilize international markets.
The US president therefore warned that any Iranian attempt to reduce the world's oil supply would lead to a military response far more severe than the strikes already carried out against Iranian targets.
Trump assures that the war could end soon
Paradoxically, Donald Trump also tried to to reassure about the evolution of the conflictDuring the same speech, he asserted that the war against Iran was "Well ahead of schedule" and could "will end soon"without, however, giving a precise date.
Fighting continues in the region and several thousand targets have reportedly already been hit by US forces and their allies since the start of the offensive.
A conflict that continues to weigh on the markets
Military tensions have already caused significant fluctuations in oil markets. Crude oil prices have varied considerably in recent days, as investors reacted both to the risks of supply disruptions and to statements suggesting a possible swift end to the conflict.
Despite the American president's statements, the situation remains very unstable and Iranian authorities assert that their armed forces will decide when the war will end.
