Trump vows to “hit them extremely hard” in Iran; no clear end date rattles markets

President Trump delivered his first primetime address since the start of the Iran War, stating that most U.S. military objectives have been achieved and promising intensified strikes over the next few weeks, but offering no clear path to ending the conflict. His remarks led to declines in stock markets and surging oil prices amid concerns over global energy supply and a lack of an exit strategy, with public approval of the war at just 35 percent. Thirteen American service members have been killed, and gas prices remain high, though Trump insisted prices would drop and the Strait of Hormuz would reopen after the fighting ends. Critics argue the president failed to outline a concrete plan for concluding the war.