Trump Predicts Swift End to Conflict While Issuing Stark Warning to Iran Over Oil
As oil prices surged dramatically amid the escalating war with Iran, former President Donald Trump declared on Monday that the military confrontation could be over "very soon." However, he simultaneously issued a severe threat of aggressive action if Tehran attempts to cut off global energy supplies. During consecutive appearances in Florida, Trump characterized the US intervention as a "little excursion" to the Middle East aimed at eliminating "some evil," asserting that the operation, now in its second week, was progressing ahead of schedule and nearing completion.
Economic Measures and Oil Sanctions Considered
With the economic impact of the joint US-Israeli military campaign intensifying, Trump indicated that the United States might take the extraordinary step of lifting oil sanctions against certain nations to alleviate price pressures. This consideration follows the US Treasury's issuance of a 30-day waiver permitting India to purchase Russian oil from tankers stranded at sea. Addressing reporters, Trump emphasized that the US would not allow Iran to "hold the world hostage" through oil supply manipulation.
"We will hit them so hard that it will not be possible for them, or anybody else helping them, to ever recover that section of the world if they do anything," the former president stated unequivocally.
Controversy Over School Strike and Investigation
Trump faced questioning regarding a US strike that reportedly hit an Iranian elementary school in Minab, resulting in numerous casualties, including many children. Video evidence analyzed by the investigative collective Bellingcat, combined with munitions expert assessments, indicates the missile used was a Tomahawk, a weapon exclusively deployed by the US in the current conflict. When asked about US responsibility, Trump suggested, without providing evidence, that Iran or "somebody else" might be responsible, noting that other nations possess Tomahawks purchased from the US.
Pressed on why he implicated Iran—a claim unsupported by his administration—Trump responded, "Because I just don't know enough about it." The strike reportedly demolished approximately half the school, killing dozens of girls aged seven to twelve during morning classes. Trump added that he was "willing to live" with whatever conclusions the investigation reaches.
Operation Epic Fury and Rationale for Military Action
During his Florida appearances, Trump boasted about the successes of Operation Epic Fury, launched on February 28 in collaboration with Israel. "We've already won in many ways, but we haven't won enough," he told House Republicans gathered at his Miami golf resort for their annual legislative retreat. He expressed determination to achieve "ultimate victory that will end this long-running danger once and for all."
Dismissing criticisms from Democratic officials about the lack of a clear rationale for US-Israeli military action, Trump asserted that Iran was poised to attack the US within a week, claiming "100%" certainty. However, he offered no new evidence to substantiate this pre-emptive strike justification, merely stating that Iran possessed "far more missiles than anyone thought." He attributed his assessment to advice from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, his son-in-law.
Administration's Shifting Justifications and Leadership Comments
The Trump administration has faced challenges in consistently defining its war rationale, presenting varied and sometimes contradictory explanations to the public and Congress, ranging from nuclear threats to regime change. When asked if newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had a "target on his back," Trump declined to answer directly, reiterating his disappointment with Khamenei's selection following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes. Trump previously dismissed Khamenei as a "lightweight" and questioned the longevity of his leadership.
At the war's outset, Trump urged Iranians to "seize this moment, to be brave, be bold, be heroic, and take back your country," while Israel has explicitly stated it will target Iran's new supreme leader. Reflecting on a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base for fallen soldiers, Trump recounted that families told him, "Make sure you win, sir. Make sure you win."
