Trump sends confusing signals: escalating or retreating from the war, risking escalation and impacting the global economy.

Trump sends confusing signals: escalating vs. retreating, as the conflict enters its fourth week, risking further escalation and impacting the global economy.

On March 23, 2026, at 12:02 PM, CNN reported that last Friday... President Donald Trump said he was considering ending the war with Iran, but just one day he threatened to destroy Iranian power plants, an escalation of the conflict that could spiral out of control. Confusing signals and rapid shifts of position have become a recurring pattern in the war as it enters its fourth week.

Previously, Trump had called on allies to send naval forces to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil export routes. When many allies refused, he responded by saying he didn't need the help and accused his allies of being cowards for not joining a war they disagreed with.

Furthermore, before Trump issued the ultimatum to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or threaten an attack on the power plant, he had previously stated that the strait would eventually open on its own.

The confusion in the US leader's remarks reflects the critical importance of the Strait of Hormuz and the impact of its closure, which has left numerous oil tankers stranded at sea, triggering an energy price crisis and potentially pushing the global economy into a recession affecting millions worldwide.

Trump is now facing a critical moment where rhetoric or threats alone can no longer mask the impact of his decisions. He may be testing whether escalating the conflict will provide a solution or further worsen the economic and political situation.

In the short term, Trump has clearly set a new red line for himself, but there is still no sign that Iran will agree to open the strait by the deadline set by the United States. Iran continues to use the Strait of Hormuz as its most important tool for pressure in this conflict.

If Trump orders an attack on an Iranian power plant, it is likely to trigger the biggest retaliation from Iran ever, which could severely disrupt global oil markets. However, if he doesn't attack and the strait remains closed, it would give Iran an opportunity to demonstrate its ability to challenge the military power of the United States and Israel, despite being significantly outnumbered.

Attacks on power plants could increase pressure on Iran's Revolutionary Guard, which controls much of its civilian infrastructure, but they also risk triggering a humanitarian crisis, as hospitals, water systems, and sanitation facilities all depend on the electricity.

In the bigger picture, many politicians and analysts are beginning to worry that Trump may lack a long-term plan or a solution to this war, which he initiated without congressional approval and without explaining the cost of the war to the American people.

Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic minority leader in the House of Representatives, said on CNN's State of the Union program that: "This government has no vision, no plan, and no plan for withdrawal. They didn't even anticipate events like the closure of the Strait of Hormuz."

However, the U.S. government continues to insist that Trump is serious about this war. Mike Walz, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, stated, "The President is not joking. He stands by his red lines and will not let this regime hold global energy and the economy hostage."

As U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Basend said: "Sometimes we need to escalate conflict in order to reduce it."

This statement has brought to mind to many the US wars in Vietnam and Iraq, which began as small conflicts but eventually escalated into large-scale, protracted wars.

A CBS News/YouGov poll indicates that nearly 60% of Americans believe the war is heading in a bad direction, becoming a political weapon used by Democrats to attack the government.

Senator Chris Murphy said that: "This government has lost touch with reality. The war is out of control, prices are soaring, and there's no end to it."

However, pro-government supporters believe that the airstrikes have weakened Iran's military capabilities and that the assassination of top Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, will affect the stability of the Iranian government in the long term.

Some analysts believe that Trump might try to cripple Iran's capabilities by attacking Kharg Island, a key hub for Iran's oil exports, or targeting missile and drone bases along the Strait of Hormuz. However, such operations would likely require ground forces, posing a far greater risk than airstrikes.

So far, there are no signs of the Iranian government weakening. Iran continues to demonstrate its military capabilities. Over the weekend, Iranian missiles struck buildings in the Israeli city of Arad, injuring at least 84 people, and they also fired medium-range missiles at the US-British military base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. Although they missed their targets, the range of over 2,000 miles demonstrated that US bases and ships previously considered secure may still be within striking distance.

The Iranian military also warned of an indefinite closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on energy and communications infrastructure in Israel, as well as countries that allow the United States to maintain military bases.

The escalating tensions have driven Brent crude oil prices up to $114.09 per barrel, further increasing pressure on global consumers, particularly on fuel prices.

International security analysts say the United States is now entering a crucial decision-making phase.

"We are approaching a critical point, and for the United States, unfortunately, there is no good option, only bad options." The former head of Israel's intelligence said...

Trump is facing an increasingly difficult equation. He may have to escalate the war to maintain credibility and find a solution, but doing so could further intensify an already protracted and complex conflict, even if he has previously declared it won.

refer : edition.cnn.com

Staying updated: The US and Israel launch attacks on Iran, escalating tensions throughout the Middle East.