United States President Donald Trump is increasingly looking for a way out of the escalating conflict with Iran, according to a foreign policy analyst, as global energy markets reel from attacks on key infrastructure.
Trita Parsi,a Swedish Iranian intellectual of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft said Trump is aware the war is not progressing in Washington’s favour and that further escalation carries serious risks for both sides.
Parsi noted that while additional military action could damage Iran, it would also impose heavy economic and strategic costs on the United States. He added that Iran has already demonstrated both the capability and willingness to retaliate in ways that could disrupt the global economy, particularly by targeting energy infrastructure in the Gulf.
He also pointed to growing unease among Trump’s political supporters. While parts of his base initially backed the war, concerns are now emerging, increasing pressure on the administration to find an “exit strategy”.
Global Response to Energy Shock
As tensions rise, major economies including United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and Japan have pledged coordinated efforts to stabilise energy markets.
In a joint statement, the countries expressed readiness to support safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil and gas shipments. They also called for an immediate halt to attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities.
The International Energy Agency has already moved to release strategic petroleum reserves in an effort to ease rising prices, with further measures under consideration.
Attack on Qatar Facility Deepens Crisis
The situation worsened after Iran launched strikes on Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar, one of the world’s most important liquefied natural gas hubs.
Operated by QatarEnergy, the facility accounts for a significant share of global LNG production. Authorities said the attack caused extensive damage, with repairs expected to take several years.
Qatar’s leadership condemned the strike, warning that targeting such infrastructure threatens not only regional stability but also global energy security.
