Statements on Operation 'Epic Fury'
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump have issued statements concerning the 'Epic Fury' operation against Iran, stressing that it will not become a prolonged, multi-year occupation. Hegseth dismissed the notion of an 'endless' war with Iran, noting that airstrikes have now entered their third day. This unfolding conflict is already having a substantial impact on global energy markets.
President Trump stated that the operation is 'a little ahead of schedule' and anticipated it would last for four weeks. As a result of these events, oil prices have surged by approximately 9%, surpassing $80 per barrel. Over the past 48 hours, Trump has made various, at times contradictory, statements about the offensive, listing its objectives, which include:
- securing freedom for the Iranian people
- preventing the country from possessing long-range missiles
- halting the development of nuclear weapons
He also did not rule out the possibility of deploying American ground troops into Iranian territory.
Regional Impact
Trump expressed surprise regarding Iranian strikes on nations around the Persian Gulf, including Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Commenting on the situation, the president remarked:
'I think it's all going very well.' - Donald Trump
He added that a 'big wave is still ahead' and 'we're giving Iran a wake-up call, it's all going very well.' These comments reflect an optimistic tone from the U.S. administration amid rising regional tensions.
Operation 'Epic Fury' forms part of a broader U.S. strategy toward Iran, encompassing both military and economic measures designed to curb Tehran's regional influence. The spike in oil prices could have serious repercussions for the global economy, particularly given the current backdrop of a worldwide recession. Observers note that further U.S. actions risk escalating the conflict, which could increase the likelihood of a full-scale military intervention and strain relations with regional allies. It is crucial to monitor developments closely, as they have the potential to significantly affect security within the Persian Gulf and beyond.