- Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that US forces would "finish the job" in Iran, with core strategic objectives nearing completion, and stated that attacks, including on energy and oil targets, would continue for several weeks.
- Following Trump's announcement, oil prices surged, with Brent crude futures rising by 4.8 per cent and US West Texas Intermediate crude futures by 4.2 per cent.
- A CNN/SSRS poll revealed that only one-third of Americans approve of the ongoing military action in the Middle East, with a majority believing Trump lacks a clear plan.
- International reactions included China's commitment to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions, while Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian warned the US of Iran's resilience and accused Israel of influencing the conflict.
- The conflict has had wider impacts, including fuel shortages in Bangladesh, and prompted criticism from Democrats and some former officials who described Trump's national address as "incoherent" and lacking strategic clarity.
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