'Mini war' is how Trump described the Iran conflict while praising record US job growth

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald J Trump utilized a Small Business Summit at the White House on Monday, May 4, to announce a massive economic milestone, claiming that more people are currently working in the United States than ever before in history.

While welcoming business owners, the president emphasized a sharp departure from previous administrations, asserting that while one in four new jobs under his predecessor were government-based, 100% of all new jobs created since his inauguration have been in the private sector.

Trump highlighted his tax and regulation cuts as the catalyst for this growth. He specifically pointed to the virtual elimination of the "unfair estate tax or death tax" as a key win for farmers and small business owners wishing to keep their companies in the family.

However, despite the focus on domestic commerce, it took the president only a few minutes to shift his wide-ranging remarks toward the escalating maritime conflict in the Middle East.

Iran described as a decimated 'mini-war'

The president quickly turned his attention to Tehran, characterizing the ongoing conflict in the Strait of Hormuz as a "mini war."

Trump dismissed Iran's military standing, claiming the nation effectively no longer possessed a functional navy or air force.

"I call it a mini war, because that's all they are," Trump remarked, further asserting that the country lacked anti-aircraft equipment, radars, and even leadership.

Despite the "military operation" and its inherent impact on global oil markets, Trump hailed the fact that the stock market continued to hit record highs. 

He maintained that the current situation was merely a "detour" in his broader policy goals and insisted that the operation was "working out very nicely."

Nuclear weapons remain a firm line

While downplaying Iran's conventional military capabilities, Trump reiterated a hardline stance on Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

He emphasized that the primary objective remained ensuring that Iran could never obtain a nuclear weapon, warning that such an outcome would create "problems like nobody would believe." 

This comes as Tehran continues to balk at US demands to end nuclear enrichment and relinquish its supply of highly enriched uranium. The president expressed confidence in the current trajectory, stating that the efforts to curb these ambitions were "going very well."

Global oil prices defy market expectations

Addressing concerns over energy costs, Trump noted that initial fears of oil hitting $300 per barrel were unfounded. He stated that prices were currently hovering around $100 and predicted they would continue to fall.

Trump noted that there was significant energy currently "loaded up" on ships across the world. He alleged that these resources had been "kidnapped by a pretty evil place," but reassured the summit attendees that his administration is "taking care of it."