Donald Trump's press secretary recently claimed the US President is always the best-read person in the room, a comment that sparked eye-rolling but likely referred to his voracious appetite for television news and social media. This habit made Friday a sobering day for him, as fresh US economic data paved the way for difficult headlines.
“Inflation soars to 3.3 per cent in March,” screamed The Wall Street Journal, while The New York Times added, “A record jump in US gasoline prices is squeezing consumers.” The economic woes come as the US launched air strikes against Iran on Wednesday, after blaming Tehran for downing an American attack helicopter. A US official said almost 20 Iranian targets were struck in what was described as a “proportional and limited” attack.
In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps said it hit 21 targets across the region and warned more “severe” attacks would come. The IRGC conducted missile and drone attacks on American military bases in the region. The Kuwaiti army said its air-defence systems engaged hostile aerial targets, with the Ali Al Salem Air Base targeted. Debris from interceptions fell over Jordanian territory but caused no injuries or material damage.
The clashes mark one of the biggest exchanges in hostilities since the countries agreed to a ceasefire in April. Iran’s top diplomat said foreign military forces near its territory “are at constant risk” and later vowed a response to the new US strikes.
Six weeks ago, Trump’s boast about falling petrol prices was the centrepiece of his televised State of the Union Address. Now, the US-Israeli war on Iran is all-consuming, as are the dire economic consequences it has unleashed. In a recent Ipsos poll, 66 per cent of Americans said they wanted the US to end its involvement in the conflict quickly, even if all goals are not achieved, compared with 27 per cent who want Trump to push on.
As domestic pressure increases, so have Trump’s frustrations, visible through his increasingly angry Truth Social posts. On Friday, he hit out at what he called the “Fake News Media” and the Iranians, reflecting a panicky atmosphere behind the scenes.
