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Trump to give primetime address on Iran war as questions swirl over his next move

Published

2 months ago

2026/04/2

Priyan

(Pic BBC)

Across the world on Wednesday night, millions of people will tune in to watch Donald Trump deliver a primetime update on the war in Iran. Many will hope for some insight on how the war ends and what might come after.

The Trump administration has signalled there may be no big announcement, but many are wondering if his hastily arranged remarks will mark the beginning of the end of the conflict or a potentially bloody escalation.

This ambiguity is, at least partly, by design. Trump often changes course or leaves his thinking a mystery to all but a small inner circle of supporters, which he has acknowledged leaves friend and foe alike wondering about his next move.

He also knows the address comes at a critical time in his presidency and amid mounting domestic pressure to find a way out of the conflict.

Poll after poll has shown that Americans have little appetite for a protracted conflict in Iran, particularly if it involves the prospect of US soldiers on Iranian soil.

A Reuters poll released this week, for example, found that two-thirds of Americans believe the US should work to swiftly wrap up its involvement in the war, even if the administration’s stated military objectives are not fully accomplished.

Closer to home, many Americans are increasingly wary of higher prices at the petrol pump, which this week crossed the average of $4 a gallon for the first time in years.

Imran Bayoumi, a geostrategy expert with the Atlantic Council in Washington DC and former policy adviser to the defence department, told the BBC that the “deep domestic unpopularity” of the war, along with the economic fall-out, “both pose a problem ahead of midterm elections” if the conflict were to drag on.

The US president will also likely present his view on how the conflict – or at least US involvement in it – will come to a close.

This has shifted repeatedly, from initial calls for an “unconditional” Iranian surrender to a potential negotiated agreement. Just yesterday, he abruptly shifted course, saying that the war could end in “two to three” weeks, even without any deal.

This morning, he again seemed to shift, posting on Truth Social that Iran’s “much less radicalised” president had asked the US for a ceasefire, but that the US would not consider it until the Strait of Hormuz is open.

Until then, Trump promised, the US will be “blasting Iran into oblivion, or as they say, back to the Stone Ages”.

According to a White House official, the speech will mostly focus on military successes of the operation, such as degrading Iran’s navy, missile capabilities and nuclear programme.

Trump is expected to reiterate that he believes the operation will be over in two or three weeks.

It is unclear, however, what any US exit from the conflict will look like.

According to Bayoumi, what constitutes victory for Trump is “loosely defined”, which provides the president with some flexibility.

“Not having clearly defined goals going into the conflict allows Trump to declare victory at any time,” he said. “[He] has mentioned that he’s halted the nuclear threat from Iran, but it’s not clear he actually has.”

While on a tactical level the US-Israeli operation has been successful in severely degrading Iran’s military, Trump’s assertion that the war is winding down soon leaves a very narrow window for more complex military options, such as seizing control of Iran’s highly enriched uranium or opening the Strait.

On the latter point, we are likely to hear the president dismiss the Nato alliance as one that he believes has proven itself unwilling to help advance US interests.

What he says tonight will be carefully scrutinised by US allies and adversaries, some of whom will wonder whether it constitutes a ruse.

In Tehran, the country’s remaining leadership will remember that Trump had publicly endorsed negotiations he said were ongoing and positive nearly until the moment US bombers struck Iranian nuclear facilities during Operation Midnight Hammer.

(BBC)

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USS Canberra makes port call in Colombo

Published

3 hours ago

2026/06/12

Priyan

The United States Navy’s USS Canberra (LCS 30) arrived at the port of Colombo for replenishment purposes on 12 Jun 26.

The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy
in compliance of naval traditions.

USS Canberra, a Littoral Combat Ship, is commanded by Commander J McLaughlin.

Business

Committee appointed for restructuring SriLankan Airlines

Published

4 hours ago

2026/06/12

Priyan

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the appointment of a Committee, chaired by Senior Presidential Advisor on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, to conduct a strategic review and restructuring of SriLankan Airlines.

The other members of the committee are as follows:

• Senior Presidential Economic Advisor Duminda Hulangamuwa

• Financial and corporate strategy expert Deshal De Mel

• Transaction and investment banking, mergers and acquisitions expert Dumith Fernando

• The Secretary to the Ministry of Finance or his Representative

• The Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development / a representative of the Civil Aviation Authority

• The Chairman of SriLankan Airlines

• Legal experts with specialised knowledge in corporate, aviation and public law

• Aviation industry experts to be appointed

The Government has recognised the urgent priority of undertaking a comprehensive strategic review of SriLankan Airlines, taking into account the broader macroeconomic context.

The main objective of this exercise is to establish a financially sustainable and commercially efficient national carrier, while reducing the long-term fiscal burden on the Government.

Accordingly, it has been deemed appropriate to establish a dedicated committee to carry out the strategic review and restructuring process in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which is serving as the Transaction Advisor.

The committee will be responsible for:

• Conducting an independent review and assessment of the airline’s strategic direction and future course of action

• Recommending restructuring requirements and possible restructuring models

• Evaluating specific strategic options and identifying the most suitable course of action aligned with the Government’s overall objectives

• Providing oversight, guidance and support for the implementation of the selected strategy and execution framework determined by the Government

The committee will function for the duration of the strategic review and restructuring process, or until it is formally dissolved by the Government of Sri Lanka.

(PMD)

Latest News

Kane Williamson retires from international cricket

Published

5 hours ago

2026/06/12

Priyan

Kane Williamson is one of only three players to score more than 15,000 international runs for New Zealand [BBC]

Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has retired from all international cricket with immediate effect.

The 35-year-old featured in the first Test against England at Lord’s, registering a duck and 18, but will play no further part in the three-match series, which will resume at The Oval on 17 June.

Williamson retires as New Zealand’s leading all-format run-scorer, with 19,346 runs, including 48 centuries and six double-hundreds, in 378 appearances between 2010 and 2026.

As the Black Caps’ most prolific Test batter, he scored 9,515 runs at an average of 54.06, including 33 centuries, in 110 matches.

Williamson captained New Zealand on 206 occasions between 2012 and 2024, leading the side through their golden period when they won the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021 and reached the finals of the 2019 World Cup and 2021 T20 World Cup.

Explaining his decision, Williamson, who retired from T20Is in November, said: “I’ve thought about it for a while, but over the last few days it’s become clear now is the right time.

“I’ve always felt a strong drive and hunger for international cricket, and I take pride in knowing I’ve given it my all in every match I’ve played for New Zealand.

“Continuing with anything less wouldn’t be right and I feel fortunate to step away on my own terms.

“I leave feeling optimistic about where this group is heading. There’s a huge amount of talent, and a real desire to do something special with this New Zealand team.

“It’s a team I love, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of it for so long. It will continue to be dear to my heart.”

Head coach Rob Walter paid tribute to Williamson’s “legacy” and impact on the Black Caps, stating he will “remain embedded in its DNA”.

“Anyone who’s had the privilege of working with Kane understands he is a very special player and person,” Walter said.

“His numbers and batting skills speak for themselves, but it’s what he means to this Black Caps team, as well as world cricket – that will be his legacy.

“His impact on the culture and standards of this team will remain embedded in its DNA.

“Kane’s always put the team first and although we’re disappointed to see him go, we’re happy to know he’s content and at peace with his decision.

“An incredible player, awesome team-mate, a wonderful leader and a fantastic ambassador for our sport.”

Former New Zealand all-rounder Sir Richard Hadlee described Williamson as a “wonderful player” and an “unflappable leader”, who was the “architect of some our of greatest moments in cricket”.

[BBC]