Trump Mentions Possibility of Ending Iran Conflict, Pressures UK on Trade

U.S. President Donald Trump said on the 15th (local time) that there is a high possibility the war with Iran could end by the end of the month. The President stated there is a very high chance of reaching an agreement with Iran by the end of the month, indicating an intention to conclude the Middle East conflict before the state visit of British King Charles III to the U.S. starting on the 27th. In a previous interview with Fox Business on the 14th, President Trump had assessed that the war was very close to its end. He added that he could completely devastate all of Iran's bridges and power plants within an hour.

President Trump expressed dissatisfaction, stating that Britain had not responded to the U.S.'s request for assistance. He claimed Britain had received a trade deal better than necessary, and that it could be changed at any time.

Meanwhile, Britain, which did not join the U.S. airstrikes on Iran or the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, is leading discussions on navigation in Hormuz post-war, along with France. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that their efforts for the complete opening of the Strait of Hormuz are due to the negative impact this issue is having on the global economy. Finance ministers from 11 countries, including Britain, Spain, Japan, the Netherlands, and Australia, also warned of the blow the current conflict and the Strait of Hormuz blockade could inflict on the global economy, emphasizing the importance of swift action.

Regarding President Trump's mention of trade deals, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer clarified that Britain would not yield to any pressure and made it clear that it would not participate in the conflict.