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United States President Donald Trump will deliver a prime-time address on the ongoing Iran conflict on Wednesday, as declining approval ratings and growing economic concerns increase pressure on his administration.
The White House has not provided details of the speech, which comes shortly after Trump claimed that Iran had sought a pause in hostilities, though no independent confirmation has been provided.
In a social media post, Trump suggested the United States would only consider a ceasefire if the Strait of Hormuz is reopened and safe for navigation, while also issuing strong warnings about continued military action.
The president is scheduled to speak at 9:00 pm (0100 GMT Thursday), more than a month after the United States and Israel began military operations against Iran, marking a delay compared to the swift addresses typically delivered at the start of major conflicts.
The address comes at a politically sensitive time, with recent polls indicating a drop in Trump’s approval ratings and rising public dissatisfaction over the war and its economic impact.
Fuel prices have surged, while consumer confidence has weakened, further affecting perceptions of the administration’s economic management.
Trump’s messaging on the conflict has also reportedly appeared inconsistent, with recent remarks suggesting both a possible quick resolution and the potential for further escalation.
The situation has also strained relations with allies, particularly after Trump signalled a harder stance on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) due to disagreements over support for the campaign.
Despite these tensions, financial markets have shown signs of optimism, with global stocks rising and oil prices easing slightly on expectations that the conflict may end soon.
Brent crude was down around one percent at $102.85 a barrel on Wednesday, while stock markets from Asia to Europe posted strong gains.
However, analysts caution that risks remain high, especially with the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global oil supply passes, still largely disrupted.
While US and Israeli forces have carried out extensive strikes on Iranian targets, the conflict continues, raising questions about its duration and ultimate outcome.
Trump’s address is expected to outline the administration’s position on the war and possibly signal the next phase of its strategy.
