President Donald Trump delivered a nationally televised address on Wednesday night addressing the ongoing conflict with Iran, signaling a shift in U.S. strategy and acknowledging limitations in resolving the crisis.

Shifting Responsibility for Strait of Hormuz Security

Trump’s address came after days of conflicting statements, alternating between predictions of a swift resolution and threats of escalation. He stated that the U.S. has “beaten and completely decimated Iran,” both militarily and economically, and asserted that countries reliant on oil passage through the Strait of Hormuz must now “take the lead” in protecting it.

“We will be helpful, but they should take the lead in protecting the oil that they so desperately depend on,” Trump said. He suggested that nations struggling to secure fuel should “buy oil from the United States of America” or “build up some delayed courage.”

Address Follows Initial Strikes and Rising Costs

The address marked the first public statement since the U.S., in conjunction with Israel, initiated strikes against Iran on February 28. Since then, at least 13 American servicemen have died, a global energy crisis has emerged due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, and average U.S. fuel prices have surpassed $4 per gallon.

Trump claimed the U.S. was achieving its objectives, including the dismantling of the Iranian Navy and Air Force and the reduction of Iran’s missile capabilities. However, he offered limited details regarding efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, stating that obliterated nuclear sites were “hit so hard that it would take months to get near the nuclear dust.”

Polls Reflect Declining Approval

Public opinion polls indicate a majority of Americans disapprove of President Trump’s military actions against Iran, with his approval rating falling to between 36 and 40 percent. Despite this, Trump maintained that the U.S. was fulfilling its objectives.

Conflicting Claims and Skepticism

Prior to his address, Trump claimed on social media that “Iran’s New Regime President” sought a ceasefire, a statement refuted by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei as “false and baseless.” This claim followed a pattern of optimistic statements made before market openings, intended to alleviate concerns about the energy crisis.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of Iran’s parliament, cautioned against interpreting such pre-market announcements as genuine, suggesting they were often intended for profit-taking.

Concerns from Within Trump’s Base

The conflict and the inconsistent messaging surrounding it have also raised concerns among some of Trump’s staunch supporters. Erik Prince, a Republican donor and founder of Blackwater, advised the administration against involvement and expressed fears of escalating conflict.

“They will burn it down,” Prince stated, warning of potential imagery of “burning American warships” if the U.S. attempts to forcibly secure the Strait of Hormuz. Thousands of additional Marines are currently being deployed to the region.