War Intensifies Amid Mixed Messaging From White House

Both sides escalated attacks during the eleventh day of the US-Israel war with Iran as oil markets saw fresh volatility and the Trump administration continued to broadcast mixed messages about the reasons it went to war, and how that war might end. US officials signaled there was little chance of diplomatic talks, throwing cold water on Donald Trump’s recent suggestions the conflict could be resolved soon.

Attention remained focused on oil markets Tuesday, which continued to whipsaw in large part due to those confusing signals from Washington. Trump on Saturday threatened Iran with even broader attacks, then backpedaled on Monday as markets tanked and oil spiked. Then last night, the US president simultaneously reaffirmed his threats and hope for a quick end to the conflict. More than 1,700 people have been killed in Iran and Lebanon since the war began, according to local authorities.