Trump will deliver a nationwide address tonight at 9 PM regarding the ongoing war against Iran. Prior to the speech, many friends asked me if a major announcement would be made—ultimately, it turned out to be nothing more than a "tweet broadcast." Earlier, in an interview with Reuters, Trump stated that the U.S. would soon withdraw, claiming that the conflict—which has lasted five weeks—has already brought about a "complete regime change" due to wartime casualties. However, by definition, the death of the elder Khamenei is no more a regime change than Trump's loss in the 2020 election; both are merely governmental transitions. Despite the U.S.-Israel strikes resulting in the deaths of several top Iranian officials, including Khamenei, the country remains under the control of his son Mojtaba within the same political system and institutional framework. On the same day, Trump also claimed on social media that he would not cease fire until navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is restored, asserting that the so-called "new president of Iran" had already requested ceasefire, and was "less radical and smarter" than his predecessor. Meanwhile, the UAE is pushing for a UN Security Council mandate authorizing military intervention to restore passage through the strait. Yet during his evening address, Trump declared, "Nations around the world that rely on oil transported through the Strait of Hormuz must take responsibility for securing this route"—clearly indicating that even without the strait's reopening, U.S. forces could still withdraw. A key backdrop to the White House’s search for a way out is the mounting domestic political pressure in the United States. This week, the national average gasoline price rose to $4 per gallon, and the latest poll shows Trump’s approval rating on economic issues has dropped to 31%, marking his personal lowest point. Although financial markets have been buoyed by speculation of U.S. withdrawal, thousands of American troops have already arrived in the Middle East, standing by in readiness for potential ground operations.
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Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861331420661769/
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