US-Iran War Live Updates: Trump Says US Will Leave Iran ‘Very Soon’, Tells Countries ‘Go Get Your Own Oil’; Iran Threatens to Target US Big Tech; Australian Fuel Excise Cut Comes Into Effect

Why It Matters

The rapid US drawdown reshapes Middle‑East power dynamics and could destabilise oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, while Australia’s tax cut eases domestic inflation pressures and Trump’s waning popularity threatens his political capital at home.

Key Takeaways

• Trump announces US exit from Iran within weeks
• Britain limits Gulf deployment to defensive role only
• Australian fuel excise cut trims diesel by ~0.17 USD/L
• Trump's approval drops to 35%, war support low

Pulse Analysis

The United States’ announced withdrawal from Iran marks a dramatic pivot in a conflict that has kept the Strait of Hormuz under tight scrutiny. Trump’s claim of a successful regime change, despite ongoing hostilities, signals a potential vacuum that regional actors such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and even China may seek to fill. Britain’s decision to keep its Gulf forces strictly defensive underscores a broader Western reluctance to become entangled in a protracted war, yet it also raises questions about the collective security architecture that has long underpinned the oil corridor.

Australia’s 26.3‑cent‑per‑litre fuel excise reduction, roughly $0.17 USD per litre, has already translated into diesel prices near $1.91 USD per litre in Sydney, offering a modest but tangible boost to consumer purchasing power. While the cut eases immediate cost pressures, analysts warn that the full benefit may be delayed as stations work through existing higher‑priced inventory. The move also reflects a strategic effort by the Australian government to cushion households from the ripple effects of higher global oil prices caused by Middle‑East tensions, thereby stabilising domestic inflation expectations.

Domestically, Trump’s slipping approval to 35 percent—his lowest ever—casts doubt on his political leverage, especially as only a quarter of his base supports the Iran war. The poll highlights a growing disconnect between the administration’s foreign‑policy bravado and public appetite for continued military engagement. This erosion of support could constrain future diplomatic initiatives, weaken the United States’ bargaining position with allies, and embolden adversaries who view American resolve as waning.