The White House has warned Iran of US capabilities 'beyond their wildest imagination' if peace talks fail, reiterating a 4-6 week timeline for the conflict. This comes as President Trump threatens to 'obliterate' Kharg Island and potentially target Iran's water supply, while Tehran denies direct talks and rejects US proposals as 'unrealistic.' The escalating tensions are impacting global oil prices and financial markets, with Spain also closing its airspace to US planes involved in the war.
As the US-Iran conflict enters its fifth week, the White House has issued a stern warning to Tehran, stating that the United States Armed Forces possess 'capabilities beyond their wildest imagination' and President Trump is 'not afraid to use that' if peace talks collapse. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated the administration's expectation to achieve objectives within a 4-6 week timeline. President Trump, via Truth Social, has threatened to 'end our lovely stay in Iran' by 'obliterating' Kharg Island—a crucial oil export hub—and other energy facilities, and has also not ruled out attacking Iran's desalinization infrastructure, a move that could constitute a war crime. He claimed 'serious discussions' were underway with Tehran, but Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei denies direct talks, branding US proposals as 'unrealistic, illogical and excessive.' Thousands of US troops have been deployed to the region amid these threats. The escalating conflict has significantly impacted global markets, with oil prices heading for a record monthly jump at $115 a barrel, and Wall Street indexes ending mostly lower due to the Middle East conflict outlook. The Federal Reserve, however, noted that longer-term inflation expectations appear stable despite the energy shock. Internationally, Spain has notably closed its airspace to US planes involved in the Iran war and denied the use of its military bases, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez labeling the conflict 'profoundly illegal and profoundly unjust.' Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky concluded a successful Middle East tour, securing security cooperation accords and offering Ukrainian expertise on countering drone attacks, noting Iran's use of drones in its own conflict with the US and Israel. Adding to regional tensions, authorities in Sharjah, UAE, reported an Iranian drone targeting an administrative building of Thuraya Telecommunications. Reports also indicate President Trump is considering a 'high-risk operation to seize Iran's uranium using US troops.'
