AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): The CNN website wrote in a report, "Last week began with unprecedented saber-rattling from Donald Trump. He threatened to commit what would arguably be war crimes, saying he would obliterate an 'entire civilization' if Iran did not meet his demands."
"But now, at the end of the week, Trump looks like a man who has lost his leverage, run out of ideas, and is increasingly looking for a way out of this situation. Friday's economic news was particularly discouraging for Trump's ability to continue this war and exert pressure in future negotiations with Iran."
"The oil shock caused by the ongoing standoff in the Strait of Hormuz pushed inflation up 0.9 percent in March alone, the biggest monthly jump in nearly four years. Inflation is now running at an annual rate of 3.3 percent, the highest since Trump's presidency. Gasoline prices surged 21.2 percent in March, a record."
"The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index, which measures Americans' confidence in the economy, hit its lowest level on record since 1952."
"Perhaps most concerning for Trump is that this situation may only be the beginning. The oil shock means that even if the war ends quickly and the Strait of Hormuz reopens, inflation will likely continue to rise for months. And if the war drags on and the strait remains closed in the coming weeks, things could get much worse.
"That means the darkening economic outlook could be dangerously close to the November midterm congressional elections, in which Republicans are already facing serious challenges to maintaining control of the House."
"Undoubtedly, this situation increases pressure on Trump to reach a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This reduces his bargaining power in negotiations with Iran, a reality that has been reflected in his recent behavior."
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