Trump extends Iran war, rattles global markets

In his first national address after a month of conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump has framed the war against Iran as an investment in American children's future, asserting that once concluded, the U.S. will be safer, stronger, and more prosperous than ever. Trump claimed that strategic goals, such as destroying Iran's navy and air force and denying its nuclear capability, are nearing completion, but warned that hostilities will continue for two to three more weeks, with threats to attack power plants if no deal is reached. This stance has dimmed hopes for a quick end to the fighting, sparking international concern.

The speech has had an immediate impact on global markets, with a fresh surge in oil prices due to uncertainty over the conflict's duration and its effect on energy supply. Simultaneously, gold prices have retreated, reflecting a complex interplay of risk aversion and adjustments in safe-haven investments amid threats of military escalation. These shifts highlight how the prolonged war is disrupting economic flows and investor confidence.

Despite Trump's rhetoric, his speech left key questions unanswered, such as details on a clear exit strategy or the role of allies like Israel, which participated in the initial attack. The omissions have drawn criticism over a lack of transparency and concrete plans for de-escalation, fueling doubts about the feasibility of stated objectives and the risks of regional conflict expansion.

Analysts note that justifying the war as a future investment contrasts with immediate economic and humanitarian realities, including costs in lives and resources. Political response has been mixed, with support from figures like Senator Ted Cruz, but growing skepticism over Washington's ability to achieve a stable resolution without deepening Middle East instability. Thus, the speech has not calmed global nerves but reinforced perceptions of a protracted conflict with unpredictable consequences.