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Donald Trump threatened to launch a fresh wave of strikes against Iran’s Kharg Island oil terminal “just for fun” over the weekend. The president’s language is emblematic of his administration’s broader approach to a war it embarked upon without a clear objective. Trump officials have consistently revelled in the violence inflicted on Iran. Pete Hegseth has promised “sheer destruction” and mocked traditional US allies who “clutch their pearls”, while the White House has released video game-style videos of air strike footage. This messaging belies the seriousness of a war that has killed innocent civilians and threatened to bring the global economy to its knees. Trump’s latest comments will also do little to reassure Gulf partners who have borne the brunt of retaliatory strikes. Roughly 90% of Iran’s crude exports pass through Kharg Island, and Tehran has promised to respond in kind if it is targeted.
Further reading: Trump’s ‘America, F**k Yeah’ doctrine and the war with Iran
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