Iran, Trump: ‘I will not use a nuclear bomb or ground troops.’ But Netanyahu speaks of possible military action

The high cost of fuel linked to the war in Iran – but above all to the war in Ukraine, according to President Trump – is putting a strain on American households’ finances and threatens to become one of the key issues in the mid-term elections. In September, inflation in the United States rose by 3.7 per cent, driven mainly by energy costs. According to figures released by the Department of Labour, as reported by the Wall Street Journal, petrol prices have risen by 34 per cent over the past year, whilst heating oil prices soared by 74 per cent in September. The impact of these price rises varies significantly from state to state. According to estimates by Brown University’s Climate Solutions Lab, since the start of the conflict in Iran, a typical family in Wyoming has incurred an additional annual cost of $975 on petrol. In Oregon, by contrast, the additional cost has been estimated at $339: a difference of $636 between the two states. The main factors at play are consumption patterns, as well as differences in local prices, transport costs and refining capacity. In rural areas, the WSJ points out, motorists travel longer distances and often use larger vehicles. This increases their exposure to price rises.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to reports by Channel 12, the two also discussed possible military action against Iran – a scenario described as “highly realistic” if Tehran “does not come to its senses”. Israel – it is explained – believes that any attack this time must be on a large scale and target infrastructure, energy facilities, missiles and nuclear sites. Channel 12 points out that sources in both Israel and the US have nevertheless made it clear that they do not believe the latest developments warrant immediate intervention.

“The ‘mother of all bombs’ is a large device, but it is not nuclear,” said US President Donald Trump in an interview with Newsmax regarding the war in Iran. “We are now keeping an eye on” the “Pickaxe Mountain” nuclear site. We may need to take action there. We’ll give it a go. We’ll neutralise it quickly,” he added. When asked whether such an operation might involve American ground troops, Trump replied: “No, I really don’t think so. I don’t think it will happen’. In his view, ‘the war with Iran will end very soon. It will be over very shortly. One way or another, it will end. You know, they’re negotiating with us. And the price of oil will plummet, as will the price of petrol’. “We want to ensure they never get their hands on a nuclear weapon, because, in my view, if they had one, they would use it straight away,” said the White House occupant.