Trump Signals Final Phase of U.S. Military Operations Against Iran

President Donald Trump announced on April 1, 2026, that U.S. military operations against Iran are entering their final stages. The administration plans to conduct intensified strikes over the next two to three weeks, specifically targeting Iran's remaining drone, missile, and naval capabilities. President Trump has tied any further diplomatic engagement to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, setting a strict deadline of April 6 for Iranian compliance. In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian informed the European Council that Tehran possesses the 'necessary will' to end the ongoing hostilities. However, Pezeshkian emphasized that any cessation of conflict is contingent upon receiving security guarantees to prevent future military aggression. President Trump has rejected these initial overtures, warning that failure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could lead to strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure, including power plants and water desalination facilities. Global markets have responded with cautious optimism to the defined 2-3 week timeline. Economic analysts suggest that the President's remarks have lowered fears of a prolonged conflict or a "boots-on-the-ground" scenario involving U.S. ground troops. This perceived de-escalation signal has tempered volatility in the commodities market as the administration faces domestic pressures ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.