Trump Choosing 'Exit Strategy'... Global Economy Breathes a Sigh of Relief (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Kim Bong-su] U.S. President Donald Trump has opted for economic sanctions instead of additional military responses against Iran, which carried out retaliatory attacks. Analysts interpret this as a choice of an 'exit strategy' since no casualties occurred despite Iran's missile strikes. The world, anxiously awaiting President Trump's statement amid concerns of escalation, collectively breathed a sigh of relief for the time being.

In a nationwide address at the White House in Washington D.C. on the morning of the 8th (local time), President Trump stated, "Last night, our military bases suffered minimal damage from the Iranian regime's attack, and no Americans were injured," adding, "It appears that Iran is backing down. This is good for the world and all parties involved." He continued, "Thanks to preventive measures and early warning systems, both Americans and Iraqis were spared from loss of life."

President Trump further said, "The U.S. military is stronger than ever, but we do not want to use it. Both America's military and economic power serve as the greatest deterrents," signaling his intention to refrain from further military action.

Instead, he made clear his plan to strengthen economic sanctions. He declared, "We will immediately impose additional economic sanctions in response to Iran's aggression," and "Strong sanctions will remain in place until the Iranian government changes its behavior." Regarding Iran's declaration of no restrictions on nuclear enrichment and its nuclear development ambitions, he reiterated, "As long as I am President of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons." President Trump had previously stated on his Twitter, "Iran will never have nuclear weapons."

He added, "If the Iran nuclear deal expires, it will pave a fast track for Iran to develop nuclear weapons," and said, "Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and end support for terrorism." He also urged the United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, and others to "work together to escape the remnants of the Iran nuclear deal and make this world a safer and more peaceful place."

President Trump also expressed willingness to negotiate with Iran on nuclear issues. He said, "We must reach an agreement that allows Iran to harness its untapped tremendous potential to thrive and prosper."

With President Trump stepping back from the use of force, tensions in the Middle East have eased somewhat. Earlier, Iran, through Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif's Twitter statement, said, "Iran took self-defensive proportional measures against the (U.S. military) bases attacked in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter," but also warned against escalation, stating, "We do not want to escalate tensions or war."

As anxieties subsided, international oil prices and the safe-haven gold prices plunged. West Texas Intermediate (WTI), which had surged about 5% the previous day, fell to $59.61 per barrel, dropping below $60 for the first time since January 13. International gold prices also declined to $1,560.20 per ounce, marking a drop after 11 trading days.

Stock markets worldwide also reacted positively. On the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq index rose 60.66 points (0.67%) to 9,129.24, hitting another record high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 161.41 points (0.56%) to 28,745.09, and the S&P 500 index gained 15.87 points (0.49%) to 3,253.05. The FTSE 100 index in London closed up 0.01% at 7,574.93, and Germany's Frankfurt stock exchange DAX index ended the day 0.71% higher at 13,320.18.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.