Trump Says Iran War Unlikely Despite Rising Regional Tensions

Washington: (News Desk) – US President Donald Trump has said he does not expect the conflict with Iran to develop into another full-scale war, despite renewed military tensions following recent attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking during a news conference in Ankara, Trump stated that he believes the situation will calm down quickly. He explained that the latest US military action came after Iran allegedly targeted two ships, prompting Washington to launch what he described as a strong retaliatory strike. Trump warned that if Iran carries out further attacks, the United States would respond with force “ten times stronger.”

His remarks came after earlier statements in which he announced the termination of the understanding reached with Iran and warned of additional military action following strikes on Iranian facilities. Those operations were presented as a response to attacks blamed on Iran’s Revolutionary Guard in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump’s earlier warning fueled fears of another major confrontation between Washington and Tehran. Following those comments, crude oil prices in New York and London climbed more than five percent, while stock markets in the United States and several other countries recorded losses as investors reacted to growing geopolitical uncertainty.

Addressing concerns about another prolonged conflict, Trump emphasized that the United States is not seeking a lengthy military campaign. He said any future action would be swift and focused on ensuring security and maintaining stability in global energy supplies. He also expressed confidence that oil markets would return to normal conditions quickly.

During the same appearance, Trump also remarked that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan does not want Iran to become a nuclear power, highlighting the broader regional concern over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

The latest tensions began after Iran allegedly attacked two commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. According to reports, Iran claimed the vessels had ignored the maritime route it wanted ships to follow through the strategic waterway, where Tehran has sought to impose transit charges. The United States has instead encouraged commercial vessels to use routes through Omani waters, further increasing friction between the two sides.

Meanwhile, Iran’s military announced that it had launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes targeting dozens of US military facilities, including locations associated with the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it targeted 85 US military sites and also said it had shot down an American MQ-9 drone during the operation. Kuwaiti authorities reported that their air defense systems intercepted Iranian drones and two missiles, while Bahrain confirmed that one residential building near its international airport was damaged, although no casualties were reported.