US President Donald Trump said on Thursday he did not expect a resumption of confrontation with Iran, but warned that if Tehran launched new attacks, Washington would respond “ten times more forcefully” and that any new conflict would end “very quickly”. Trump said that I do not think it will start again. If they attack, we will respond ten times more forcefully. Whatever happens, it will be over very quickly, and we will make things safe, even for oil. The supply of oil will be very easy and without interruption.
These things show a significant change in Trump’s stance in which he had earlier defended US military attacks on Iran. These attacks were carried out in response to attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, which Washington described as the actions of Iran. At the same time, he indicated that the temporary understanding between the two countries has actually ended.
Trump’s ‘revenge’ against Iran
Trump wrote in a post on ‘Truth Social’ that this is revenge for the bombing of ships by Iran yesterday. If this happens again, things will get even worse! The United States launched a new round of military strikes against Iran on Thursday, a sign of yet another rapidly rising tension in the West Asian conflict. According to the US military, the purpose of these attacks was to reduce Iran’s ability to pose a threat to commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. On Tuesday, three cargo ships were attacked while passing through this important sea route. Washington blamed Tehran for the incident and said the operation was necessary to protect one of the world’s busiest energy shipping routes.
The US Central Command said that the purpose of these operations was to maintain freedom of navigation and ensure the safety of civilian ships and international trade through this narrow passage. About one-fifth of the world’s oil is supplied through this route. Iran has not publicly acknowledged its role in the attacks on commercial ships.
No effect on oil prices
Despite Trump’s claim that the conflict would make the situation “safe for oil”, crude oil prices rose for the third consecutive day on Thursday. New US attacks on Iran have dashed hopes for an early resolution of the conflict and increased uncertainty over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Brent crude futures rose 78 cents, or about 1 percent, at $78.80 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 74 cents, or a little more than 1 percent, at $74.26 a barrel. Both benchmarks had hit their highest levels in more than two weeks in the previous session, after Trump warned of more military action against Iran.
According to investors, the renewed hostilities could put pressure on one of the world’s most important oil routes. About one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes through the Strait of Hormuz, and any prolonged disruption to shipping through this route could reduce crude supplies and increase freight costs.
Analysts say the increase in tensions has raised new doubts over the future of the 60-day negotiation process between Washington and Tehran. SEB chief commodity analyst Bjarne Schildrop told Reuters that oil prices near $80 a barrel now appear more in line with current market conditions than the $70 level. Industry experts believe that even if tensions ease, there is little chance of shipping activities through the strait returning to normal soon.
Tension increased again in the Gulf region
The renewed fighting has dealt a major blow to hopes that the agreement reached on June 17 could pave the way for reducing tensions. Earlier on Thursday, Trump had cast doubt on the possibility of any permanent deal with Tehran. He said that he no longer felt that the temporary agreement would be effective.
At the same time, Iran said that it had earlier attacked American military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait in response to American action. This has raised concerns that the conflict could spread to the entire Gulf region, where US military bases are present in several countries.
Iranian state media also reported new explosions in Bandar Abbas, Chabahar and Konark on the country’s southern coast, while power supplies were disrupted in parts of Chabahar. Media associated with Iran’s security system said that military planners were preparing a major plan of retaliation targeting US military bases throughout the region.
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