Trump Escalates Rhetoric on Iran, Casting Doubt on Ceasefire Prospects
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could be pushed “back to the stone ages,” escalating rhetoric and dampening hopes for a near-term ceasefire in the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Speaking during a nationally televised address from the White House, Trump reiterated that the war—dubbed Operation Epic Fury—is nearing its final phase but could continue for another two to three weeks. He cautioned that Iran would face “extremely hard” strikes in the interim, despite earlier optimism about a possible diplomatic breakthrough.
Markets React to Escalation
Global financial markets reacted swiftly to the president’s remarks. Major Asia-Pacific indices, including Hong Kong’s Hang Seng, Japan’s Nikkei 225, South Korea’s Kospi, and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200, turned negative following initial gains.
Oil prices surged in volatile trading, with Brent crude futures rising nearly 6%, reflecting growing concerns over supply disruptions linked to the conflict. U.S. stock futures also slipped, signaling potential losses on Wall Street after a brief recovery earlier in the week.
Trump attributed rising oil prices to what he described as Iranian attacks on commercial tankers and regional targets, urging allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global oil route.
Conflicting Signals on Ceasefire
The president claimed that Iran had expressed interest in a ceasefire but insisted the United States would only consider negotiations once the Strait of Hormuz is “open, free, and clear.”
“Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion,” Trump wrote earlier on social media.
However, Iranian officials denied requesting a ceasefire, highlighting ongoing mistrust between both sides and complicating diplomatic efforts.
Tensions Extend to NATO Allies
Trump also appeared to widen tensions with U.S. allies, reportedly criticizing NATO as a “paper tiger” and suggesting the United States could reconsider its role in the alliance.
The remarks come ahead of a planned meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Washington next week, where security cooperation and the Iran conflict are expected to dominate discussions.
Outlook: Escalation Over Diplomacy
The latest developments suggest a shift away from immediate diplomatic resolution toward intensified military action. With oil prices rising, الأسواق volatile, and geopolitical tensions widening, the coming weeks are likely to be critical in shaping both the war’s outcome and its global economic fallout.
