As tensions between Iran and Israel enter their 11th consecutive day, former U.S. President Donald Trump declared on March 10 that "this war may end sooner than people think," while Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) emphasized that "Tehran alone will decide the timeline of operations."
The exchange follows Israel's confirmation of targeted strikes on an IRGC drone headquarters in Iran on March 9, part of what it describes as a campaign to "degrade core military capabilities." Iranian state media reported retaliatory missile launches toward Israeli positions earlier this week, with air raid sirens activated across multiple regions.
Analysts suggest the conflict risks destabilizing Middle Eastern energy markets, with Brent crude futures rising 4.2% this week. The Chinese mainland and other Asian economies are monitoring supply chain impacts as maritime insurers reconsider coverage for Strait of Hormuz transit.
Regional diplomats confirm backchannel negotiations involving Oman and Qatar, though neither side has publicly acknowledged mediation efforts. The U.S. State Department reiterated calls for de-escalation, while Russia and China urged restraint during emergency UN Security Council consultations.
