Crédito, Foto de Brandon Bell/Getty Images
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- Author, Daniel Gallas e Marina Rossi
- Role, Da BBC News Brasil em Londres e em São Paulo
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Tempo de leitura: 6 min
President Trump indicated the conflict may conclude shortly, offering remarks to CBS News, a BBC partner in the U.S.
“I think the war is very complete, pretty much,” Trump stated, adding that the U.S. Is “way ahead of schedule” and asserting that Iran “doesn’t have a navy, doesn’t have communications, doesn’t have an air force” and that its missiles are “down to a scattered number.”
Markets reacted to Trump’s comments, with Brazil’s Ibovespa index recovering 180 points to close up 0.86% on the day. The Brazilian real also strengthened, falling 1.5% against the U.S. Dollar to trade at 5.16 BRL.
Oil prices, which earlier in the day surpassed $100 per barrel, moderated throughout the day, stabilizing in the $90 range for both WTI and Brent crude. The initial surge reflected concerns about potential disruptions to global oil supplies.
In a subsequent press conference, Trump reaffirmed his expectation that the war would end “very quickly,” though he did not provide a specific timeline and signaled a different perspective by stating that the U.S. “hasn’t gotten enough” in Iran.
Concerned about the potential impact of the conflict on oil distribution, ministers from the G7 nations held an emergency meeting in Europe, but failed to reach a consensus on a coordinated release of strategic oil reserves to curb rising prices.
Oil reserves are coordinated by the International Energy Agency (IEA), with its 32 member countries maintaining strategic stockpiles as part of a collective emergency system designed for oil price crises.
Russian President Vladimir Putin offered assistance in alleviating the situation with oil and gas supplies, including to European countries.
In a televised address to industry officials, Putin warned that oil production, reliant on deliveries through the Strait of Ormuz, could soon come to a complete halt.
Putin and Trump discussed “the current international situation,” primarily concerning Iran and Ukraine, in a phone conversation. Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s foreign policy advisor, stated the conversation lasted approximately one hour and was “professional, frank, and constructive.”
Later, in a social media post, Trump threatened a response “20 times stronger” should Iran disrupt oil flow through the Strait of Ormuz.
“we will destroy easily eliminatable targets that will make it practically impossible for Iran to rebuild as a nation—death, fire and fury will reign over them—but I hope, and pray, that does not happen,” the U.S. President said.
The severe disruption to energy supplies in the region threatens to drive up prices for consumers and businesses worldwide.
Approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply typically transits the Strait of Hormuz. However, traffic through the narrow passage has all but stopped since the war began more than a week ago.
Analyst Adnan Mazarei, of the Peterson Institute of International Economics, said the increase in oil prices was expected, given the halt in production in some Gulf countries and signals of a prolonged conflict in the region.
“People are realizing that this isn’t going to end anytime soon,” he said, adding that the objectives presented by the U.S. Are “becoming increasingly unrealistic.”
Trump, who campaigned on a promise to lower the cost of living for Americans, downplayed concerns about rising oil prices.
On Sunday, he posted on his Truth Social platform: “Short term Oil Prices, which will rapidly fall when the destruction of the Iranian Nuclear Threat is over, are a very little price to pay for the Safety and Peace of the USA and the World. ONLY FOOLS WOULD THINK DIFFERENT!”
His Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, told U.S. Broadcasters that Israel, not the U.S., was targeting Iranian energy infrastructure, amid some concern about rising gasoline prices in the U.S. Caused by the war.
Data from the AAA motorists association showed the average U.S. Price for regular gasoline rose 11% last week, reaching $3.32 per gallon.
Crédito, Houssam Shbaro/Anadolu via Getty Images
In Lebanon, the death toll rose to 486 on Monday, according to state media. The agency added that 1,313 people were injured, according to the Ministry of Public Health. At least half a million people have also been displaced in the country.
Several branches of the Al-Qard Al-Hassan financial institution were hit on Monday in different parts of Beirut. In response to the attacks, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called for a “complete ceasefire with the suspension of all Israeli attacks by land, air and sea against Lebanon.”
Joseph Aoun requested international support for his country’s armed forces to allow them to take control of areas controlled by Hezbollah and disarm the group, which faces opposition from the government.
New Leadership in Iran
Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father, Ali Khamenei, as Supreme Leader, signaling that, more than a week after the conflict began, the hardline faction remains in control of the country.
Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen to succeed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the first day of the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Unlike his father, Mojtaba, 56, is a low-profile figure. He has never held a government position, given public speeches, or granted interviews, and only a limited number of photos and videos of him have been published.
U.S. President Donald Trump indicated he would not accept the choice. While signaling openness to someone connected to the traditional leadership taking power, Trump made clear his opposition to Mojtaba Khamenei.
“The son of Khamenei is unacceptable to me,” Trump said earlier this week.
The choice of Mojtaba Khamenei could prove controversial within Iran itself. The Islamic Republic was founded in 1979, after the fall of the monarchy, and its ideology is based on the principle that the supreme leader should be chosen for their religious standing and proven leadership, not hereditary succession.
Late in the weekend, the United States and Israel launched new waves of airstrikes in Iran, hitting several targets, including oil depots.
Meanwhile, Iran attacked energy infrastructure in neighboring Gulf countries. Overnight, Saudi Arabia stated it intercepted and destroyed two waves of drones heading towards a major oil field.
