Washington, District of Columbia, United States — United States President Donald Trump said the ongoing conflict involving Iran could end within weeks, as diplomatic and military developments continued to reshape tensions across the Middle East. The comments came as the White House confirmed that the American leader would address the nation at 9:00 pm Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Eastern Time, which is 2:00 am Thursday, April 2, 2026 West African Time (WAT, GMT+1), to provide what officials described as an important update on Iran.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump suggested the United States might withdraw from direct involvement soon. “We’re leaving Iran very soon,” he said, adding it could be within “two weeks, maybe three.” He also stated, “But we’re finishing the job.” Trump further declared, “We want to knock out every single thing they have,” before noting that “it’s possible that we’ll make a deal before that.”
Okay News reports that the remarks come amid shifting signals from Washington over whether it intends to escalate military operations or pursue negotiations with Tehran. The uncertainty has contributed to volatility in global markets and heightened concern among countries dependent on energy shipments from the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime route through which about one fifth of the world’s oil supply typically passes.
Trump said other nations relying on the shipping channel would need to protect their own interests. “What happens with the strait we’re not going to have anything to do with,” he said. In a social media post earlier, he also criticised allies that had not supported United States efforts in the region, stating: “The U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said military actions had “changed the face of the Middle East” and pledged continued operations. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran had the “necessary will” to end the conflict if guarantees were provided to prevent renewed hostilities.
Regional violence has intensified. Lebanese authorities reported fatalities following Israeli strikes near Beirut, while ongoing clashes involving Iran backed Hezbollah fighters have displaced more than one million people, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
Financial markets reacted positively to hopes of de escalation. United States stocks rose, Brent crude oil fell by 3.2 percent to $103.97 per barrel, Japan’s Nikkei index climbed more than three percent at opening, and South Korea’s Kospi increased nearly five percent.
Pentagon officials also warned that the coming days would be decisive. At the same time, Iranian officials said they were still receiving messages from American intermediaries but denied formal negotiations were underway.
The conflict, which began on Friday, February 28, 2026, has triggered retaliatory attacks across the Middle East, raising fears of broader regional instability. Analysts say the next steps will depend on whether diplomatic efforts gain traction or military operations continue.
