According to the Associated Press, Donald Trump has failed to provide a convincing explanation for starting the war with Iran or for how to end it—especially as U.S. military casualties, rising oil prices, and falling financial markets have increased public concern.
Even some of Trump's supporters have raised doubts about his strategy, and polls show his popularity is declining.
Meanwhile, Washington’s decision to ease restrictions on Russian oil exports amid the war has allowed Russia's economy to benefit from higher energy prices—a move analysts say weakens years of efforts to limit Vladimir Putin's financial capacity in the Ukraine war.
Domestically, Democrats, who faced a crisis after losing the 2024 election, have now united in opposition to the Trump administration’s Iran policies and see the economic turmoil as a failure of Republican promises to lower living costs.
Trump has also asked for international help to secure the passage of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting various countries might send naval vessels to safeguard this route. About one-fifth of the world’s oil passes through this critical waterway.
Trump expressed hope that countries such as China, France, Japan, South Korea, and Britain would participate, but no clear details about such a coalition have been provided yet.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the US decision to temporarily ease oil sanctions on Russia a mistake, saying it strengthens Moscow’s position.
Political analysts believe that as the war drags on and energy prices continue to rise, this crisis could seriously impact the US midterm congressional elections in November and challenge the Republican position.
Oil prices poised for further increase
Reuters reports that as the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran enters its third week and energy export disruptions in the region continue, oil prices could rise again at the start of the week’s trading.
The continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz—through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil passes—has caused the largest oil supply disruption globally and triggered financial market volatility.
Donald Trump has threatened further attacks on oil facilities on Kharg Island, but his threat has been met with warnings from Tehran of retaliatory measures.
Brent crude and US crude prices have risen more than 40% since the beginning of the month, reaching their highest levels since 2022—a surge following US and Israeli attacks and the halt of oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump has asked countries such as China, France, Japan, South Korea, and Britain to send naval vessels to help secure this strategic route.
The U.S. targeted military objectives on Kharg Island on Saturday, shortly after which Iran responded with drone attacks on a major oil terminal in the UAE.
Analysts at J.P. Morgan Investment Bank stated that these developments indicate an escalation of hostilities, as regional oil infrastructure had previously been largely spared from direct attacks.
Experts have also described key energy terminals in the Persian Gulf—including Fujairah port in the UAE, the Ras Tanura export terminal, and Saudi Arabia’s Buqayq oil processing facilities—as highly vulnerable points in the region.
According to the International Energy Agency, disruptions in oil transport could reduce global supply by about 8 million barrels per day in March, while Western Asia producers have also cut output by at least 10 million barrels per day.
Reuters adds that International Energy Agency member countries have agreed to release a record 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves to counter price increases, while prospects for a q
ahmad shirzadian
