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US-Iran Conflict Enters 2nd Week, Escalating Battle for End-of-War Dominance
US-Middle East War: US-Iran Vie for End-of-War Dominance
The war between the United States and Iran has entered its second week, with both sides engaging in a fierce struggle to seize control over potential peace negotiations. International oil prices, which had somewhat stabilized after President Trump's earlier remarks about an early cessation, surged again following Iran's airstrikes, causing significant fluctuations in Trump's approval ratings.
President Trump issued a stern warning via SNS, emphasizing the US's 'unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition, and plenty of time,' stating, 'Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today.' This move is seen as an attempt to leverage US military superiority to gain an advantage in any peace talks with Iran.
Israel's Shifting Objectives and Iran's Hardline Stance
In contrast to the US, Israel, a key partner in the airstrikes, appears to have no immediate intention of ending the conflict. Prime Minister Netanyahu, in his first press conference since the war began, announced his country would 'help the Iranian people overthrow the regime,' indicating a shift in military operational goals.
Responding to this, Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba, who had not previously been prominent, declared an 'ultra-hardline response.' Mojtaba vowed to continue the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and seek 'blood revenge for the martyrs.' This strategy is perceived as an attempt to capitalize on Trump's fluctuating approval ratings, using energy disruptions to destabilize the global economy and exhaust US military power, thereby seizing the initiative in any future peace negotiations. Analysts suggest that Mojtaba is expected to be even more hardline than his father, Khamenei.
*Source: YouTube: 연합뉴스TV (2026-03-13)*
