In his live address on 1 April, US President Donald Trump said that the conflict with Iran will last another two-to-three weeks, extinguishing hopes of an imminent ceasefire that would calm global markets (MEES, 3 April). The conflict remains stuck in a holding pattern, with Iran in control of the Strait of Hormuz and both sides exchanging heavy aerial blows.
Mr Trump’s frequent statements on the conflict have provided mixed messages, at times floating the idea that he is looking for an offramp, and at other times indicating that he plans to escalate the conflict in a bid to secure a decisive victory (MEES, 27 March). (CONTINUED - 324 WORDS)
