President Trump delivered a speech last week meant to project control over the war he launched against Iran. Oil prices surged, investors recoiled and the president still did not explain what political end this war is supposed to produce. After Trump declared Iran “decimated,” the regime shot down a U.S. F-15E over its own territory. The problem in Iran is not that the military has failed to destroy things. Trump has described limited ship passage through the Strait of Hormuz as Iran showing a “sign of respect” and suggested the U.S. has already achieved regime change.

Source: Los Angeles Times April 07, 2026 11:30 UTC