President Donald Trump delivered a primetime national address on Wednesday. He told the nation that the U.S. is “getting very close” to ending its military operations against Iran. Furthermore, he set a bold two- to three-week timeline. Trump declared, “We are on track to complete all of America’s military objectives very shortly.”
Earlier that day, Trump sparked immediate controversy. He posted on Truth Social claiming that Iran’s president “has just asked the United States of America for a CEASEFIRE!” Additionally, Trump tied any agreement to a firm condition. He stated he would not agree to a ceasefire unless Iran reopens the vital Strait of Hormuz.
However, Tehran swiftly and sharply pushed back. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei called Trump’s ceasefire claim “false and baseless.” Moreover, a senior Iranian presidential aide reinforced that position. Seyyed Mehdi Tabatabaei stated that Iran’s defense posture “has not changed” and dismissed Trump’s remarks as “delusions and falsehoods.”
Meanwhile, a key diplomatic contradiction emerged. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged receiving direct messages from US. envoy Steve Witkoff, yet insisted there were no direct negotiations and said the “trust level is at zero.”
Consequently, global markets reacted with alarm. Oil prices surged, with US. crude rising to nearly $105+ a barrel, while S&P 500 futures fell 0.75% . Furthermore, gas prices in the US. topped $4 per gallon for the first time in over 3 years.
Nevertheless, public confidence in Trump’s strategy remains fragile. A CNN poll found that up to 67% of Americans believe Trump lacks a clear plan for the Iran situation. Therefore, pressure mounts on both sides as this volatile conflict enters its fifth week.
“Sources: NBC News, CBS News, CNBC, Fox News, PBS NewsHour, CNN, China Daily Asia“
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