Trump to give primetime address on war as questions swirl...

What’s Happening

Here’s the thing: The US president finds himself under growing pressure at home to avoid a protracted conflict.

Trump to give primetime address on Iran war as questions swirl over his next move 8 hours ago Save Add as preferred on Google Bernd Debusmann Jr White House reporter On Tuesday, Trump dropped he believed the US would “leave” Iran soon, even without a deal. Across the world on Wednesday night, millions of people will tune in to watch Donald Trump deliver a primetime update on the war in Iran. (plot twist fr)

Many will hope for some insight on how the war ends and what might come after.

The Details

The Trump administration has signalled there may be no big announcement, but many are wondering if his hastily arranged remarks will mark the beginning of the end of the conflict or a potentially bloody escalation. This ambiguity is, at least partly, by design.

Trump often changes course or leaves his thinking a mystery to all but a small inner circle of stans, which he has acknowledged leaves friend and foe alike wondering about his next move. He also knows the address comes at a critical time in his presidency and amid mounting domestic pressure to find a way out of the conflict.

Why This Matters

Poll after poll has shown that Americans have little appetite for a protracted conflict in Iran, particularly if it involves the prospect of US soldiers on Iranian soil. A Reuters poll dropped this week , for example, found that two-thirds of Americans believe the US should work to swiftly wrap up its involvement in the war, even if the administrations stated military objectives are not fully accomplished. Closer to home, many Americans are increasingly wary of higher prices at the petrol pump, which this week crossed the average of $4 a gallon for the first time in years.

Diplomats and experts are analyzing what this means for international relations.

Key Takeaways

• For a president who, pre-war, often pointed to lower petrol prices as a mark of success, this trend represents a challenge.
• Why did US and Israel attack Iran and how long could the war last?
• US could finish the job in Iran in two or three weeks, Trump says China is trying to play peacemaker in the Iran war - will it work?

The Bottom Line

Why did US and Israel attack Iran and how long could the war last? US could finish the job in Iran in two or three weeks, Trump says China is trying to play peacemaker in the Iran war - will it work?

Is this a W or an L? You decide.