Trump Calls Iran Conflict 'Small Potatoes'

Summary

President Trump downplayed the U.S.-Iran conflict as 'small potatoes,' saying it is an intermittent military conflict rather than a war. He said there is no current fighting and the U.S. controls the Strait of Hormuz 'very strongly.' He added that the U.S. is taking out oil and recently took boats/ships in the area. The comments leave oil and Strait of Hormuz chokepoint risk as a key market focus.

• Trump says he calls the Iran situation a military conflict, not a war.
• He describes the conflict as 'small potatoes' and intermittent with no current fighting.
• He says the U.S. controls the Strait of Hormuz 'very strongly.'
• He says the U.S. is 'taking out a lot of oil' and took boats.
• He contrasts current casualties with Venezuela, Vietnam and other conflicts.
• The remarks keep attention on oil-supply and Strait of Hormuz chokepoint risks.